From beautiful coffee table books full of photographs of the region to histories of the logging and iron ore mining industries, biographies of important regional people to memoirs of the communities and neighbors we live amongst, the Village Bookstore is your gateway to Minnesota regional books!
Archaeology of Minnesota
Histories of Minnesota typically begin with seventeenth-century French fur traders exploring the western shores of Lake Superior. And yet, archaeology reveals that Native Americans lived in the region at least 13,000 years before such European incursions. “Archaeology of Minnesota “tells their story–or as much as the region’s wealth of artifacts, evidence of human activity, and animal and plant remains can convey. From archaeological materials, Guy Gibbon reconstructs the social, economic, and political systems–the lifeways–of those who inhabited what we now call Minnesota for thousands of years before the first contact between native peoples and Europeans. From the boreal coniferous forests to the...
read moreMinnesota Railroads – A Photographic History
“The Great Northern Railway, in the eventful year of 1941, met every requirement made of it as the Nation hurriedly prepared for war.” So Great Northern’s president spoke of the Minnesota railroad that transported the tanks and airplanes, materiel and troops, that were critical to America’s military success. This illustrated volume offers an enlightening–and irresistibly entertaining–look at Minnesota railroads from that shining moment, near the end of the romantic era of steam locomotives and luxury passenger lines, to the reemergence of railroads as one of the few profitable transportation industries in our day. Remarkable photographs, many never before published, take us inside the cab of a monumental...
read moreThe Minnesota Book of Skills
Minnesotans are a highly skilled bunch, whether pursuing traditional activities like wild ricing and pickling, or tastefully displaying taxidermy, or selecting the right fishing bait. Skills particularly appropriate to Minnesota– such as creating seed art or baking a Bundt cake–may be fully on display at the state fair, a prime opportunity to join with neighbors in celebrating our many talents. Best of all, Minnesotans are eager to share their skills with newcomers or the newly inspired, and for “The Minnesota Book of Skills” many freely offered their expertise in conversations with author Chris Niskanen. Get the inside scoop from Joe Hautman, who has won four federal duck stamp contests. Learn to sing like a voyageur from Francois...
read moreThe Oranges Are Sweet
From Minnesota author Paul Sailer comes “The Oranges are Sweet” which is a deeply moving story about Major Don M. Beerbower, who was from Hill City, Minnesota, and the men who served with him during World War II. When he died strafing a German airdrome north of Reims, France, on August 9, 1944, he was the leading ace in the Ninth Air Force with 15.5 aerial victories and the commanding officer of the 353rd Fighter Squadron. The Fighting Cobras, as the unit was known, ended the war with 290.5 aerial victories, more than any other squadron in the United States Army Air Forces. Author: Paul Sailer Publisher: Loden Books US SRP: $34.99 Binding: Hardcover Pub Date: May 1,...
read moreWalk in Their Dust
What was life really like for our pioneering ancestors as they trekked across our country in the mid-1800s? Two men can tell you. They followed those trails for over two thousand miles, walking the equivalent of a marathon nearly every day for three months! Walk in Their Dust is about the experiences Grand Rapid natives Barry Lane and his colleague Niels Henriksen had in 1973 while hiking from Mexico to Minnesota along the routes used by America’s early settlers. The two imitated the lifestyle of the pioneers as much as they could, and they experienced many of the same things that challenged the wagon trains including dust storms, intense thirst, blizzard conditions, flash floods, and risk from both predators and man. Sometimes feel...
read moreLittle Minnesota
When you think Minnesota, you might immediately picture the scenic North Shore or the bustling Mall of America. But Minnesota is much more than that. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is peppered with small communities, and Little Minnesota spotlights 100 towns with populations around or below 100. Each entry features folks who know what it means to help their neighbors and locales that range from quaint to historic! Author: Jill Johnson Publisher: Adventure Publications US SRP: $16.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: November 2011
read moreMinnesota’s Hidden Alphabet
A turtle’s shell, an etched rock, a false morel, a trout lily–all inspire a closer look, a chance to see A to Z in Minnesota’s natural scenes. Minnesota author David LaRochelle and Minnesota photographer Joe Rossi team up to create this wonderful children’s picture books! Simple text and beautiful photographs depict nature scenes in Minnesota with elements that resemble letters of the alphabet! Author: David LaRochelle Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press US SRP: $16.95 Binding: Hardcover Pub Date: November 1, 2010
read moreLeft Home at 16
Frank Antilla has experienced his fair share of life-altering events. He said his “strong will, perseverance, and deep faith” has guided him through his challenging life. Frank Antilla’s life story began in North Dakota in 1927 as the youngest of 15 children. Survival was unimaginably tough and by the time he was five, Frank had lost his father and moved to Minnesota with his mother and three of his older siblings. His mother eventually got a job in a hotel in Bovey but before that, she and Frank had many adventures. There was lots of moving. They started their Minnesota life in a woodsy log cabin as part of a Finnish community. The older siblings moved on leaving Frank and his mother to find a house at Lawrence Lake. Life on a lake...
read morePuck Heaven
Think you’re a true hockey fan? Prove it! The author of the best-selling Minnesota Twins Trivia explores the fascinating world of Minnesota state high school hockey–its rivalries, heroic comebacks, glaring disappointments, injuries, winning streaks and remarkable feats of individual athleticism. The perfect gift for any MN hockey enthusiast! Author: Jim Hoey Publisher: Adventure Publications US SRP: $19.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: November 2011
read moreWeird Minnesota
Hail Minnesota! For its beautiful lakes, charming towns, and hardy citizens. We have so much that other states envy: giant Indian mounds, the world’s largest Paul Bunyan, and the Twins and the Vikings. We spawn musicians of all types, from the Andrews Sisters to Bob Dylan, and we’ve never lacked for presidential candidates: Eugene McCarthy, Walter Mondale, and, of course, Harold Stassen all gave it a whirl or two—or three—and it’s fine with us that none of them made it to the White House. They gave it their all, just like Minnesotans do every day. Yes, we’re musical and political, but we’re also very, very weird. We have more strange sites, strange history, and, happily, strange folks than we deserve. And...
read moreThe Opposite of Cold – The Northwoods Finnish Sauna Tradition
A full-color history and celebration of Finnish sauna in the western Great Lakes region. One of our best-selling books of 2010! Great Christmas gift! As many in the north country can attest, one of life’s great pleasures resides in the tradition of sauna-sitting in 180-plus-degree heat and throwing cool water on oven-hot stones to create a blast of steam (called “loyly”), followed by a jump in the lake, standing naked in subzero temperatures (or even a roll in the snow), or just relaxing on the cooling porch. To the uninitiated, there is a strange, alluring mystique to the art of Finnish sauna. But to an ever-increasing number of people-from their small urban saunas to backwoods and lakeside retreats-the culture and...
read moreLittle Minnesota
State birds, flowers, trees, and animals brought to board book form for the youngest book lovers. Toddlers will delight in this boardbook filled with rhyming riddles framed by brightly painted clues,introducing elements that make Minnesota so special! GRAND RAPIDS native Kathy-jo Wargin is the author of more than 45 books and has earned national acclaim through award-winning children’s classics such as Michigan’s official state book, The Legend of Sleeping Bear, Children’s Choice Award winner The Legend of the Loon, The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell, and many others. Kathy-jo enjoys writing about nature, folklore, and its effect on all our lives. She is a frequent guest speaker and presenter for associations, school...
read moreVoices of Pokegama – A History of the Place Around a Lake (Hardcover)
This book is a history of Pokegama, the area around the lake that started as a glacial lake and is now a reservoir of the Upper Mississippi. Over the last 140 years, Pokegama has been farmed, timbered, and mined, all the while becoming a prime place for living and vacationing Minnesota’s North Woods. This book gives voice to the many people who have lived around Pokegama Lake. NEW LOWER PRICE! Author: Ann K Ryan Publisher: Greater Pokegama Lake Association Hardcover US SRP: $25.95 Pub Date: 2005
read moreVoices of Pokegama – A History of the Place Around a Lake (Paperback)
This book is a history of Pokegama, the area around the lake that started as a glacial lake and is now a reservoir of the Upper Mississippi. Over the last 140 years, Pokegama has been farmed, timbered, and mined, all the while becoming a prime place for living and vacationing Minnesota’s North Woods. This book gives voice to the many people who have lived around Pokegama Lake. NEW LOWER PRICE! Author: Ann K Ryan Publisher: Greater Pokegama Lake Association US SRP: $15.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: 2005
read moreTim-BERRR! Pine Logging in the Big Fork River Country
A member of a logging family, Rajala had a lifelong interest in the drama of the lumberjack scene. He has worked in every facet of the lumber industry, doing every job from cruising the timber to marketing the finished lumber. In this book, the author describes lumberjack life as he saw it, set in the historical context of those who came first and the economic framework of the times. Author: Benhart Rajala Publisher: Versa Press US SRP: $16.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: 1992
read more100 Years Bovey Farmer’s Day
Local historians come together again with two new books to celebrate the centennial of Bovey, Minnesota! Author: Donald Boese & Patricia Walls Publisher: City of Bovey US SRP: $15.00 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: 2011
read moreBovey – A Century of Change II
Local historians come together again with two new books to celebrate the centennial of Bovey, Minnesota! Authors: Donald Boese & Patricia Walls Publisher: City of Bovey US SRP: $20.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: 2011
read moreKa-Ka-Ska-Ska (Headwaters to the Gulf in a Kayak)
Ka-Ka-Ska-Ska” (“Headwaters to the Gulf” – in a kayak) is a very entertaining story of four friends’ adventure down the Mississippi River. The expedition was not a scheme to fulfill a lifelong fantasy of man against nature or even an attempt to satisfy an unruly midlife itch, but simply the result of an impulsive decision over a cup of coffee. With little thought to detailed planning, the foursome strikes out to conquer the third largest river in the world in kayaks. The chronological travelogue covers the highlights as they paddle through uninhabited wilderness and along the banks of river towns. This is not another boring guide book on how to paddle or where to paddle nor is it just a narrative of a sole expedition. Instead,...
read moreThe Last of the Giants
The LAST OF THE GIANTS is a book that is a must read for anyone interested in great stories of little known preachers and ministries of the past. Frank Higgins, John Sornberger, and Al Channer make up a sold out trio of tree-toppers and Bible-thumpers that had a profound spiritual impact on the logging camps of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota at the close of the 19th century ad the dawn of the 20th. As the trees were harvested by their logging camp “congregations” these rough hewn preachers of the Gospel thundered through the primeval forests the truth of salvation by grace. Their message was plain and their manner at times crude, but they were servants of the hour and fit for the master’s use. This is a man’s...
read moreBringing Back the White Pine
One of the state’s foremost authorities on white pine trees, Jack Rajala, has written Bringing Back the White Pine, a 150-page historical and how-to guide for landowners, tree lovers and policy makers. Conversations and concerns about declines in Minnesota’s white pine resource have run broad and deep in the state during recent years. “The passion and rhetoric about forestry issues have blinded many to the simple truth that to have more white pine we must grow more white pine,” says Jack. “I wrote this book for anyone who wants to help get the job done.” Author: Jack Rajala Publisher: Jack Rajala US SRP: $11.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: January 1,...
read moreWe Homesteaded
We Homesteaded is a first-hand account of pioneer life in the Big Fork River Valley of northern Minnesota. Events and the joys and sorrows of pioneer life are vividly described in this recording of Minnesota history. Author: James K Knight US SRP: $19.95 Binding: Paperback Originally Published by Printcraft in 1975
read moreOverburden – Modern Life on the Iron Range
Winner of the 2008 Northeastern Minnesota Book Award. The culture of Minnesota’s Iron Range is transforming before the eyes of its inhabitants. Nowhere is this change captured better than in Aaron Brown’s book Overburden. As a columnist for the Hibbing Daily Tribune and a father of three boys, Aaron is one of a rare breed of “modern” Iron Rangers who are stepping away from the blue collar work of their parents and striving to find a place in a growing economy of creativity and development. Brown delves into the history and mystery surrounding the Iron Range to explore the region’s mystique and create a stunning and often hilarious biography of a people and a place he has called home nearly his entire...
read moreMinnesota’s Iron Country – Rich Ore, Rich Lives
Northern Minnesota is a land of beauty and heritage, but also a land wealthy in natural resources. Its rich iron ore has shaped the destiny of the United States and in times of war helped to protect the world. Marv Lamppa recounted this history in his acclaimed PBS television series “Iron Country.” Now, the full story is available as a book – an exploration of Minnesota’s Iron Country – revealing the lives of a remarkable people and the industrial and political forces that built a region and a nation. Author: Marvin Lamppa Publisher: Lake Superior Port Cities US SRP: $19.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: January 1, 2004
read morePrairie, Lake, Forest – Minnesota’s State Parks
Waterfalls and underground caverns, lady’s slippers and dwarf trout lilies, cross-country skiing and fishing adventures–alluring photographs and captivating stories survey these and other delights of Minnesota’s popular state parks. Author: Chris Niskanen Photographer: Doug Ohman Publisher: Minnesota Historical Press US SRP: $29.95 Binding: Hardcover Pub Date: April 1, 2010
read moreBrown Sugar Syrup and Jack Pine Sand
Winner of the 2010 Northeastern Minnesota Book Award. From the author of The Talking Stick’s 2009 first place fiction winner. Award winning author Dennis Herschbach brings to life an engaging new story of growing up a country boy in rural Minnesota. In the 1940s and 1950s, when most of the country was absorbed in the post-World War II world of nuclear bombs and fast cars, Herschbach’s family lived without indoor plumbing or electricity. They picked berries in the summer, canned food for the winter, and hunted and fished for their meat. Herschbach’s stories of wandering the north woods with his bow and arrow and watching his parents as they struggle to eke out a life in this beautiful yet harsh environment tell the tale of a way of...
read morePaddle North – Canoeing the Boundary Waters-Quetico Wilderness
Explore the Quetico- Boundary Waters with seasoned paddlers– one a writer, one a photographer–whose work reflects on the spirit of the place, conveying an open invitation to visit an ages-old wilderness. Author: Greg Breining Photographer: Lane Kennedy Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press US SRP: $29.95 Binding: Hardcover Pub Date: November 1, 2010
read moreMinnesota Simply Beautiful
From the close-up subtleties of a wee flower to the wide-angle visas of Lake Superior, Greg Ryan and Sally Beyer capture the flavor of their state and impart an understanding of its many moods. They share this land of craggy shoreline, shimmering lakes, cascading waters, turbulent and crawling rivers, sandstone bluffs, waving grasses, and people out exploring every nook and cranny, this is a four-season collection of brilliant color photography from all around The North Star State. Authors: Greg Ryan & Sally Beyer Photographers: Greg Ryan & Sally Beyer Publisher: Farcountry Press US SRP: $29.95 Binding: Hardcover Pub Date: November 1,...
read moreUp North – Reflections, Moments, and Memories
Up North is a collection of photographs capturing moments up north. Each photograph is coupled with a meaningful reflection that inspires and uplifts the soul. This book takes you back to your up north, wherever that may be. Author: Joseph Brandmeier Publisher: Tristan Publishing US SRP: $19.95 Binding: Hardcover Pub Date: July 1, 2011
read moreOnly in Minnesota
This is a pictorial tribute to all that makes the state unique. A combination of the natural, historical and cultural facets of life in Minnesota, it showcases the people and what they do for fun, where they do for fun, where they live, their favorite places, and more. Over 160 dazzling four-color photographs–showing a variety of subjects, from farms and churches to tourist destinations and state parks; from nature scenes to city festivals and cultural events–make this book shine. Author: Berit Thorkelson Photographer: Roxanne Kjarum Publisher: Voyageur Press US SRP: $19.95 Binding: Hardcover Pub Date: May 1, 2003
read moreNorth Country – The Making of Minnesota
In 1862, four years after Minnesota was ratified as the thirty-second state in the Union, simmering tensions between indigenous Dakota and white settlers culminated in the violent, six-week-long U.S.Dakota War. Hundreds of lives were lost on both sides, and the war ended with the execution of thirty-eight Dakotas on December 26, 1862, in Mankato, Minnesotathe largest mass execution in American history. The following April, after suffering a long internment at Fort Snelling, the Dakota and Winnebago peoples were forcefully removed to South Dakota, precipitating the near destruction of the areas native communities while simultaneously laying the foundation for what we know and recognize today as Minnesota. Author: Mary Lethert...
read moreThe Darkest Evening
An adventurous tale of one Finnish American family’s encounter with the “Red Broom” Set in the 1930s, The Darkest Evening chronicles the story of young Jake Maki, whose family moves to the Karelia province in the Soviet Union when the socialist fervor washes over their Finnish mining community in Minnesota. But when Stalin’s secret police begin targeting Americans for arrest, Jake leads his family on a daring midwinter escape on cross-country skis, fleeing toward the Finnish border. Author: William Durbin Publisher: University of Minnesota Press US SRP: $11.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: February 7, 2011 (Reprint...
read moreSong of Sampo Lake
A gripping depiction of frontier life on the Minnesota Iron Range- For fifteen-year-old Matti Ojala and his family, Finnish immigrants in Minnesota in 1900, starting a new life in America is both a hardship and an opportunity. After a tragic mining accident kills their beloved uncle, the family turns away from the iron mines to pursue the dream of owning a homestead in the wilderness. Author: William Durbin Publisher: University of Minnesota Press US SRP: $11.95 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: February 14, 2011 (Reprint edition)
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