Michigan: A History of the Wolverine State

by Willis F. Dunbar, George S. May

This standard textbook on Michigan history covers the entire scope of the Wolverine State's historical record -- from when humankind first arrived in the area around 9,000 B.C. up to 1995. This third revised edition of  Michigan  also examines events since 1980 and draws on new studies to expand and improve its coverage of various ethnic groups, recent political developments, labor and business, and many other topics. Includes photographs, maps, and charts.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

781 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 1995

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super comprehensive, surprisingly readable history from ancient times to present day. Highly recommend for anyone interested in Michigan history. However it's important to be aware of it's blind spots and biases. The authors refer to the existence of Native people at the time of settlement of United States citizens as "the Indian problem." They contend that unions just weren't necessary in the 30s because working conditions were so great. They trot out the simplistic paradigm of the civil rights movement that says MLK was the "peaceful" one and Malcolm X was the "violent" one. So overall this book is very useful, but make sure to seek out other sources from the perspective of marginalized groups, per the usual.

[Chrysanthemum · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best in-depth historical texts about Michigan I have ever read. Aside from the lack of women's perspective throughout the state's history, almost every other group is recognized in this book. I think I would have enjoyed this text better had it not been assigned reading for college. Some areas brought a new meaning to "info-dumping," but overall it was a great, informative read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get down to the specifics of what makes Michigan the state it is today.

[Debeehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very, very, very dense book. It is an impressive, sweeping overview of Michigan History taking it from the earliest days of French exploration uo to the mid 90s. It is slow reading because there's so much information there, but is a very good resource for people interested in michigan history.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. Took a class in College called Michigan History and this was our textbook. It's a great read that covers a vast amount of our states history and cultural influences. It's an easy read too, which is nice for a history book as sometimes history books are hard to read because of the level of detail. This book provides the right amount of detail to keep it engaging without loosing the reader in facts. Definitely one of my favorite reads.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty dang thorough. I will say there are huge chunks that are not the most thrilling to read, but I'd honestly chalk that up more to the subject matter than the author. After all, you can't expect economic developments to be that gripping of a read.

Anyway, the content is thorough and provides much nuance.

[Gaston G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy the history of the early pioneer period tothe industrial revolution. From that point on, the authors sped up and gave a cursary view of the politics and industrial progress of the state. I enjoyed read this book.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

An in-depth look at the history of Michigan from the 1600s to the 1970s. Thoughtful and informative, I did learn quite a bit from this book and it helped show me Michigan's role in the history of the United States. It is very dense but one should expect that of a single book covering over 300 years of history.
My largest problem with the book is Professor Dunbar's portrayal of Native American tribes in the beginning. While in some ways he does portray the tragic history of tribes in the state, and is realistic in some portrayals, such as the fact that Native tribes did tend to play the Americans/British/French against each other, he also starts the book by portraying Native tribes as "primitive", disregarding any complexity to the culture these tribes had. It may be that Professor Dunbar is simply a victim of the bias of the time he lived in, yet I was disappointed at his portrayal nevertheless.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book since I am a new resident of the State of Michigan. It is an interesting insight into an area dominated by Natives, French, British, & Americans. It delves into economics, politics, religion, & arts. It opens up a view into a State that many think of as the "State of Detroit," when it is so much more. I enjoyed this book, even though it can drag along at times. But it is a good work, and I have enjoyed it immensely.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was assigned this book as a class text for my Michigan history course. As I set about to read what was surely to be another dry, boring history book I found myself pleasantly surprised. Interesting, and insightful, it was an absolute dream. The content was not too dry and kept me entertained and I placed the names in the book with the names of Detroit and it's surrounding areas' common municipalities. It was insightful for any Michigan native to see the history of our home state.

[Jim Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, it's a textbook. But Dunbar & May know how to pick out the details are meaningful, and also that are interesting. No one will read every page, but when there is a topic you need to know about, this is the place to turn first.
Bruce Catton's history of the state rides on his reputation, and is not much more than fluff.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in 1965, this historical overview was written by the Chairman of the History Dept, Western Michigan University, and remains unchallenged as the most comprehensive history of Michigan to this date. Thorough, well balanced and scholarly. I first read it more than 10 years ago, and have pulled it off my shelve many, many times since then.

[Mary Vanderkooy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed, long, history of Michigan.

[Kym Masera Taborn]

Thorough history of Michigan. Not enough Kalamazoo for my tastes, but enjoyable nonetheless. Dry in parts, but fascinating in others.