Charlemagne Tower (1809-1889) was an American lawyer and businessman active in acquiring land in the Schuylkill Valley in Pennsylvania and serving as an officer for coal and railroad companies. He organized and led a company of Union soldiers from Pottsville in a 3-month enlistment during the American Civil War, when he was commissioned as captain. After the war, with sell-off of lands by the Northern Pacific Railroad, he acquired large tracts in the upper Midwest and Northwest. Charlemagne Tower was a giant of his time, leaving an indelible footprint on the history of the United States. He is credited with creating the mining industry in Minnesota, as well as attracting settlers to the area. He was deeply involved in the mining industry in Pennsylvania, and was part of the ascension of the Reading Railroad. Towns in three states are named after him. He served on the board of overseers for Harvard University, and was involved in many business ventures, many of them successful. “PROFESSOR BRIDGES has written a book which is of compelling interest from three points of view: as a story of business adventure, as a study in the character of an eminent entrepreneur, and as a chapter in the economic history of the Northwest. Founded on a large body of previously unused manuscript materials, it supplies elements of vital importance to our knowledge of the development of the iron and steel industry in the United States. The story which Dr. Bridges tells with such scholarly care and narrative verve is one which should interest all students of our past.”—Allan Nevins

With humor and insight, E. W. Davis tells the story that begins with the discovery of then-valueless taconite on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range in 1870 and several decades of attempts to process taconite commercially. Davis details the ups and downs of the exciting, decades-long research effort that resulted in a workable extraction method, followed by frustrating attempts to form the concentrate into small pellets. Finally, Davis describes building the first successful commercial processing plant at Silver Bay in the 1950s and the contributions by various companies to the birth of the industry. Along the way insider Davis recounts the founding of the three new northern Minnesota taconite towns, Babbitt, Silver Bay, and Hoyt Lakes.

In 'Dick Hamilton's Fortune; Or, The Stirring Doings of a Millionaire's Son', author Howard Roger Garis takes readers on a thrilling adventure following Dick Hamilton, a millionaire's son, as he navigates the complexities of wealth and family dynamics. Written in a lively and engaging style, the book combines elements of mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age themes set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. Garis skillfully weaves together a compelling narrative that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages, while also offering a glimpse into the societal norms and values of the time. With its vivid descriptions and exciting plot twists, this book is sure to captivate readers of all ages. Howard Roger Garis, a prolific author known for his contributions to children's literature, draws on his creative storytelling abilities and keen observations of human nature to craft 'Dick Hamilton's Fortune'. His own experiences growing up in a wealthy family likely inspired the nuanced portrayal of Dick and the exploration of the challenges and privileges that come with inherited wealth. Garis' deep understanding of character development and plot construction shines through in this captivating novel. I highly recommend 'Dick Hamilton's Fortune; Or, The Stirring Doings of a Millionaire's Son' to readers looking for a well-written and engaging story that delves into themes of wealth, family, and personal growth. Garis' masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this book a must-read for anyone seeking an exciting and thought-provoking literary experience.

In 'Dick Hamilton's Cadet Days; Or, The Handicap of a Millionaire's Son' by Howard Roger Garis, readers are immersed in a coming-of-age story set amongst the backdrop of a military academy. Garis skillfully weaves a tale of friendship, honor, and the struggles of a young man balancing the expectations placed upon him as the son of a wealthy father. The book is written in a straightforward and engaging style that appeals to both young adult and older readers, making it a timeless classic in American literature. Garis' attention to detail and character development adds depth to the story, allowing readers to connect with the protagonist on a personal level. Not only does the book provide insight into the challenges faced by the protagonist, but it also offers a glimpse into the societal norms of the time period in which it was written. 'Dick Hamilton's Cadet Days' is a must-read for anyone interested in character-driven narratives and historical context in literature.

The first in the New York Times bestselling Cork O’Connor mystery series follows Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor as he delves into the dark side of small-town Minnesota while investigating a tangled web of corruption and danger. “A brilliant achievement, and one every crime reader and writer needs to celebrate” (Louise Penny, #1 New York Times bestselling author). Cork O’Connor, the former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota, is having difficulty dealing with the marital meltdown that has separated him from his children. Part Irish, part Anishinaabe Indian, he is getting by on heavy doses of caffeine, nicotine, and guilt. Once a cop on Chicago’s South Side, there’s not much that can shock him. But when the town’s judge is brutally murdered, and a young Eagle Scout is reported missing, Cork takes on this complicated and perplexing case of conspiracy, corruption, and a small-town secret that hits painfully close to home. With white-knuckled suspense and unforgettable characters, Iron Lake demonstrates why “among thoughtful readers, William Kent Krueger holds a very special place in the pantheon” (C.J. Box, #1 New York Times bestselling author).