jjares reviewed Wisconsin: A Captivating Guide to the History of Wisconsin and Peshtigo Fire of 1871 on + 3278 more book reviews
Both parts of this book are well-worth a reader's time, but I was absolutely enthralled by the 'Peshtigo Fire of 1871.' It is one of the best books I've read this year. The word pictures are amazing.
WISCONSIN SECTION --
Cheese and the Peshtigo Fire were the only two attributes I knew about Wisconsin before reading this book. I really liked how the author tied the prehistory of Wisconsin with the mastodon remains found by four rambunctious Dosch boys in 1897. The author doesn't get too bogged down in explaining the Clovis people and the people who followed; I liked the gentle overview of the salient facts.
It's interesting to note that 4/5 of the indigenous peoples of America have common DNA with the Clovis people. The author makes the point that the French were the people who interacted most kindly with the indigenous folks. This is a well-written, interesting story of a state that few of us know well. There is also a generous list of sources at the end, for further study.
PESHTIGO FIRE OF 1871 --
Wow! This isn't just another fire story; it is a fascinating read about a serious American history event that few of us remember. One of the most important reasons for this absence of memory is because, on the same night, Chicago also burned. However, the Peshtigo caused more death; but Chicago is a bigger town. Peshtigo's fire was 'the deadliest wildfire event in American history.'
Today, Peshtigo is best known (with a population of only about 4000) for the fire that almost obliterated it. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I felt like I were there, watching the trees explode and the hot ashes "snowing" over everything. The reason this story is so poignant is that the author told the story through the eyes of several of the citizens of Peshtigo. The author wrote word pictures of the aftermath: Father Pernin found a pool of metal on the ground; it was all that was left of the church's new bell. This book is well worth a reader's time and interest.
WISCONSIN SECTION --
Cheese and the Peshtigo Fire were the only two attributes I knew about Wisconsin before reading this book. I really liked how the author tied the prehistory of Wisconsin with the mastodon remains found by four rambunctious Dosch boys in 1897. The author doesn't get too bogged down in explaining the Clovis people and the people who followed; I liked the gentle overview of the salient facts.
It's interesting to note that 4/5 of the indigenous peoples of America have common DNA with the Clovis people. The author makes the point that the French were the people who interacted most kindly with the indigenous folks. This is a well-written, interesting story of a state that few of us know well. There is also a generous list of sources at the end, for further study.
PESHTIGO FIRE OF 1871 --
Wow! This isn't just another fire story; it is a fascinating read about a serious American history event that few of us remember. One of the most important reasons for this absence of memory is because, on the same night, Chicago also burned. However, the Peshtigo caused more death; but Chicago is a bigger town. Peshtigo's fire was 'the deadliest wildfire event in American history.'
Today, Peshtigo is best known (with a population of only about 4000) for the fire that almost obliterated it. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I felt like I were there, watching the trees explode and the hot ashes "snowing" over everything. The reason this story is so poignant is that the author told the story through the eyes of several of the citizens of Peshtigo. The author wrote word pictures of the aftermath: Father Pernin found a pool of metal on the ground; it was all that was left of the church's new bell. This book is well worth a reader's time and interest.
