In Finns in Michigan Gary Kaunonen probes the intricacies of immigration; labor; and ideology among the members of this intriguing and historically important ethnic group. He skillfully traces the evolution of a vibrant; diverse; dramatic; and at times deeply quarrelsome people who left an indelible mark on the state's history.Kaunonen examines the many schisms and splits that define the course of Finnish social life in Michigan. Michigan's Finns flocked to diverse cultural organizations that span a broad ideological spectrum. This book examines an extraordinarily wide range of organizations; including religious institutions; temperance societies; working-class political and labor groups; the cooperative movement; and a nationalist association of Finns.Finns in Michigan is a study of the contributions of Michigan's Finns in the workplace; in society; and in cultural life. Unlike previous; sometimes mythologized; histories of the Finns in Michigan; Kaunonen's rendition strives to be a more accurate representation of "the good; the bad; and the other" activities of a group he calls "possibly America's most diverse family."
#1722835 in Books Liberty Fund; Inc. 2001-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .90 x 6.20l; 1.35 #File Name: 0865972850349 pages
Review
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Freedom Inspiring!By B. McclureAn excellent collection of John Adams' original works. I teach U.S. Constitution classes according to the original intent of the founders; and I find this book to be historically accurate and untainted by more modern progressive views. I appreciate the short historical synopsis before each set of letters; giving you a background of why he wrote each one. This book is excellent for anyone wishing to learn more of the timeless principles of freedom which made this nation great. Very inspirational for anyone wishing to preserve freedom today. The difficulty level is less intense than the Federalist Papers; but more demanding than a casual read.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Good primary sourceBy AlA wonderful book and a good sampling of the writings of John Adams that illustrate his contribution to the foundation of the Nation. Adams' "Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law" is a good explanation of our liberties couched in a refutation of the Stamp Act which meant unconstitutional courts and taxes. Additionally; this edition inlcudes the Massachusetts Constitution; and the Novanglus letters; which are the most detailed and closely argued case for the Patriot cause against British policy. To me; the Novanglus letters are the jewel of this book; and I think all Americans should read them. There are so many powerful examples of his writing and intellect; that it's hard not to want to describe them all. The quote below from Adams makes the case for reading this book."...liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it; derived from our Maker. But if we had not; our fathers have earned and bought it for us; at the expense of their ease; their estates; their pleasure; and their blood. And liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people; who have a right; from the frame of their nature; to knowledge; as their great Creator; who does nothing in vain; has given them understandings; and a desire to know...besides this; they have a right; an indisputable; unalienable; indefeasible; divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge; I mean; of the characters and conduct of their rulers."7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A principled primary source of political philosophy and enduring wisdomBy Midwest Book ReviewProfessor of Political Science C. Bradley Thompson has selected an array of principle shorter writings by an American Founding Father in The Revolutionary Writings of John Adams; an anthology of Adams' discussions of the prospect of revolution and the ideal form of government for the newly born United States. Additional documents from before the Revolution reflect upon the nature of the British Constitution and the meaning of rights; sovereignty; representation; and obligation. A principled primary source of political philosophy and enduring wisdom; especially recommended for public library and American History reference shelves.
