Out of the Northwoods: The Many Lives of Paul Bunyan, With More Than 100 Logging Camp Tales

by Michael Edmonds

Every American has heard of the lumberjack hero Paul Bunyan and his big blue ox. For 100 years his exploits filled cartoons, magazines, short stories, and children's books, and his name advertised everything from pancake breakfasts to construction supplies. By 1950 Bunyan was a ubiquitous icon of America's strength and ingenuity. Until now, no one knew where he came from—and the extent to which this mythical hero is rooted in Wisconsin. 


Out of the Northwoods presents the culture of nineteenth-century lumberjacks in their own words. It includes eyewitness accounts of how the first Bunyan stories were shared on frigid winter nights, around logging camp stoves, in the Wisconsin pinery. It describes where the tales began, how they moved out of the forest and into print, and why publication changed them forever. Part bibliographic mystery and part social history, Out of the Northwoods explains for the first time why we all know and love Paul Bunyan.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2009

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book after hearing Michael Edmonds speak at the WI Historical Society conference; he was so filled with passion and inspiration, I just had to learn what his research was all about. I had expected to learn about Paul Bunyon and, in the beginning, I was a bit disappointed that all I learned was how the Bunyon stories traversed the country. Then I realized how important that this folklore was to the loggers who chose this dangerous line of work to feed their families and I continued my reading to find the Bunyon stories I was looking for.

[James Hollomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, amusing exploration of American Folklore of the mid 1800s, Michael Edmonds gathered and chronicled for us tall tales that the lumberjacks of America's great timberlands used to regale each other in camp at night.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, thoroughly researched investigation into the origins of the legend of Paul Bunyan. A tad bit academic for the general reader, but still well-written.

[Jan Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found some of the tales of research interesting. The most likely origin of Paul Bunyon is my hometown. I generally dislike tall tales but I fid like the one about the musky.