Customer Reviews

A Popular History of Minnesota

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Outstanding! I reviewed several histories of Minnesota, and I came to the conclusion that this book is the best general history of Minnesota for most readers. It's very readable, concise, and enjoyable storytelling. The most important and most interesting Minnesota stories are told well. The basics of American history are also woven into the story, so this is the story of Minnesota's journey within the context of American history. A useful map with the most important and interesting historical sites to visit is included as a helpful guide. Useful lists by category of important things you can see are also included throughout the book as the story unfolds.

Other history books, unfortunately, are ruined by boring academic facts and poor story-telling, but not this book. I recommend this book for a quick and enjoyable read on Minnesota. Highest recommendation.

On the back cover are these positive reviews:

"Norman Risjord recounts Minnesota's past with the studied approach of an accomplished historian and the engaging style of a crowd-pleasing storyteller. If only all state histories were this enjoyable to read."
-Dave Kenney, author of "Northern Lights: The Stories of Minnesota's Past" and "Minnesota Goes to War: The Home Front During World War II." [Northern Lights is used in Minnesota Schools]

"'A Popular History of Minnesota' captures in one volume the thing that makes the state unique. It is, and always has been, a playground. But not as we've been led to believe. We learn here that Minnesota was not only the field of play for Dakota and Ojibwe, but for J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller. It is a vast and fascinating history. Norman K. Risjord has found a way to put it in a finely written, single book."
-Don Shelby, WCCO 4 News anchor and reporter

Since I came to Minnesota three years ago, I have been searching for a comprehensive overview of its history. Not too detailed, just giving a good overview. I found it in this book, and really anjoyed reading it

The book is what its preface states was its concept: "a relatively brief, fast-paced trip through Minnesota's past." The book is an enjoyable read. It does not claim to be scholarly. It discusses significant periods in the state's history and features visitor locations at the end of each chapter. Its suggestions for further reading is well done. This popular history seems relatively evenhanded politically up through the Civil War era. After that it leans more and more toward progressive ideas and interpretations, which reflects commonly held opinions one runs into in the Twin City area. This abandonment of evenhandedness is somewhat disappointing. It is also an unabashed cheerleader for the state reflecting the attitude that Minnesota is the greatest, expressed as "Minnesota Exceptionalism." The book is a good introductory guide for tourists.

The history of the state of Minnesota is an example of how our nation grew and built its character. This history summary focuses on the high points of the story and leaves one in a position to identify which parts demand more study