Minnesota and the Upper Midwest

Urban Wildlife Habitats A Landscape Perspective Lowell W. Adams 1994 Spring

In this first book-length study of the subject, Adams reviews the impact of urban and suburban growth on natural plant and animal communities and reveals how, with appropriate landscape planning and urban development, cities and towns can be made more accommodating for a wide diversity of species, including our own.

Woman of the Boundary Waters Canoeing, Guiding, Mushing, and Surviving Justine Kerfoot 1994 Spring

The Boundary Waters region of Minnesota and Ontario is a vast wilderness of quiet beauty, visited and loved by many, but home to only a rugged few. Justine Kerfoot arrived there in 1928 and has lived there ever since. As she relates her lessons from the Canadian Indians across the lake-how to paddle a canoe, hunt moose, drive a dog team, and stay warm at minus 40 degrees-Kerfoot gives us a rich sense of the world of the Indians and fur trappers. Her lyrical descriptions of wildlife and seasonal environments express the deep reverence for nature that has become her way of life.

Medieval Scandinavia From Conversion to Reformation, circa 800-1500 Birgit Sawyer and Peter Sawyer 1993 Fall

In this volume, the authors question assumptions about early Scandinavian history, including the supposed leading role of free and equal peasants and their position in founding churches. They meticulously trace the development of Scandinavia from the early ninth century through the second and third decades of the sixteenth century, when rulers of Scandinavia rejected the authority of the Papacy and the attempt to establish a united Scandinavian monarchy finally collapsed. Nordic Series, volume 17

Portage Lake Memories of an Ojibwe Childhood Maude Kegg John D. Nichols, Editor 1993 Fall

In this volume, Minnesota Anishinaabe elder Maude Kegg of the Mille Lacs Reservation reminisces about her childhood. Building birchbark and reedmat wigwams, boiling maple sap into syrup and harvesting turtles and wild rice are related in lyric detail. Dictated to John D. Nichols in Kegg’s native language, these compelling stories of traditional Ojibwe life appear in English translation on facing pages with the original Ojibwe text in a standardized orthography.

The Great Jerusalem Artichoke Circus The Buying and Selling of the Rural American Dream Joseph A. Amato 1993 Fall

In 1981, near the end of America’s second post-World War II energy crisis, and at the onset of the nations most recent farm crisis, American Energy Farming Systems began to sell and distribute what it deemed a “providential plant” destined to be a new and saving crop—the Jerusalem Artichoke. This volume recounts this story of the bizarre intersection of evangelical Christianity, a mythical belief in the powers of a new crop, and the depression of the U.S. farm economy in the 1980s.

Inheriting the Land Contemporary Voices from the Midwest Mark Vinz and Thom Tammaro, Editors 1993 Spring

This compelling anthology of contemporary prose and poetry confronts the idea of “regional,” and explores the extremes of the term—the hardships of the weather versus the quiet, idyllic beauty of nature, or the provincial, remote feel of the region versus its inherent richness and cohesive spirit. Includes work by Robert Bly, Louise Erdrich, Jon Hassler, Bill Holm, William Stafford, Patricia Hampl, Jonis Agee, Carol Bly, Meridel LeSueur, and Garrison Keillor.

Vascular Plants of Minnesota A Checklist and Atlas Gerald B. Ownbey and Thomas Morley 1992 Fall

A definitive reference to the 2,010 vascular plant species (ferns, conifers, and flowering plants) currently found in Minnesota.

Patterned Peatlands of Minnesota H.E. Wright Jr. and Norman E. Aaseng, Editors 1992 Spring

The first in-depth examination of the ecological and political significance of the patterned peatlands of Minnesota, one of the largest peatland complexes in the world. Research conducted during the past decade has unraveled many secrets of the intricate peatland ecosystem, unique because it has been so little altered by human action and remarkable for its display of the complex adjustment of living organisms to their environment. The book describes the flora, vegetation, and animal life of the different patterned peatlands and considers the role of surface water and ground water in the development and differentiation of fens and raised bogs. Specific chapters explore the role of mammals, birds, and amphibians and reptiles in the peatland ecosystem.

Letters from Side Lake A Chronicle of Life in the North Woods Peter M. Leschak 1992 Fall

After a brief taste of urban life, and convinced that nothing equaled the formidable challenge of life in the heart of the vast woods, Peter M. Leschak returned to northern Minnesota. Letters from Side Lake chronicles the marvelous range of adventures and reflections-described with thoughtfulness and humor-springing from his pioneer-like existence. In Leschak’s unique voice and beautifully crafted style, Letters from Side Lake captures the great pleasures and rugged feats and hardships of North Woods living. “Each entry in the delightful book is a treat. Every word rings with the sincerity of a life richly and fully lived. Anyone who has ever dreamed of forsaking the impersonality and hubbub of modern living will revel in Leschak’s stories.” --Library Journal

Red Lake Nation Portraits of Ojibway Life Charles Brill 1992 Spring

Movingly documents, in words and pictures, the life of the Red Lake band on a ‘closed reservation’ in northern Minnesota.

The Education of a Public Man My Life and Politics Hubert H. Humphrey Norman Sherman, Editor 1991 Fall

A candid look into the private and political life of Minnesota's native son.

Flowers for Northern Gardens Leon C. Snyder Jr 1991 Spring

This comprehensive handbook lists over 800 species of herbaceous plants and their botanical and horticultural varieties known to be hardy in northern zones.

Scandinavian Folk Belief and Legend Reimund Kvideland and Henning K. Sehmsdorf, Editors 1991 Spring

An entertaining collection of hundreds of legends, stories, and magic. Perfect for reading or telling in front of the fire.

In Their Own Words Letters from Norwegian Immigrants Solveig Zempel, Editor 1990 Fall

Forming an engaging, colorful mosaic of voices from the immigrant experience, this collection of letters offers a unique perspective on historical events as well as the experience of everyday life.