How Maine Changed the World

by Nancy Griffin

As Down East Books celebrates 50 years of great book publishing, it seems appropriate to reflect upon
the contributions Maine has made that have had significant cultural and historical impacts on both the
United States and the World. Did you know that the caterpillar tread, common on bulldozers and tanks,
originated from the design of Lombard’s steam log hauler; or that the dry plate photographic process was
created by the Stanley brothers, who also invented a speed-record setting steam powered car and whose
sister, Chansonetta, was a well-known photographer in her own right? Maxim’s machine gun forever
changed the practice of warfare. The humble peavey is a simple tool well-known to any forester or
lumberjack. The ubiquitous lobster boat, the microwave oven, earmuffs, and Monopoly—all came from
the minds of Mainers. This book is a celebration of Maine’s creative ingenuity—from the very large, such
as Portland Head Light and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge to the very small, such as the toothpick and the
Bean boot.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

136 pages, Hardcover

Published October 20, 2017

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, but marred by typos. Was there a copy editor?

[Emily Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

When in Maine.. you read what’s in your cabin. This book was cute, but really needed a copy editor. There were lots of errors like time travel - a famous Mainer did this in 1835. Then did this in 1866. Then was killed in 1837.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maine does end up just being a punchline more often than not, dismissed as a rural back water.

Surprise! Maine has produced more than its fair share of inventors, politicians, athletes, artists, and more. Some are famous, such as the prolific Stephen King, others unfairly obscure, such as Elijah Parish Lovejoy, who was killed for his unwavering support of abolition and the free press.

The state has also produced a contradictory mix of tools for war and peace, including both the machine gun and the Seeds of Peace camp. It doesn't go too deep on any one subject (so obviously we don't get anything on the conspiracy theory about Samantha Smith, one of the few conspiracies I believe in) but the book is a good overview of how Maine is so much more than just "scary woods."

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While traveling in Maine, it has been fun to read about many influential people and inventions that are a normal part of our 21st century live, and have made places famous. Consider the toothpick, the microwave, or the donut hole. Or consider Longfellow, Harriet Beecher Stowe, or Stephen King. Some names and places are familiar. Many are not. All that has come out of Maine is impressive!

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss living in Maine. Fun fast read in no particular historical or topical order. M A S H was my favorite entry. Loved the stories but wished there were copyright and bibliographical notes on entries. Found two typos.

[Brandi Lemieux · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute but some errors on the LLBean page make me take the rest of the book more as stories rather than fact.