The author, Reuben G. Thwaites, was the director of the Wisconsin Historical Society and there were probably few people with more knowledge of Wisconsin’s history. He wrote in the Preface that this collection of true stories, “…selected from Wisconsin’s history, have been written as a means to the cultivation of civic patriotism among the youth of our commonwealth.” “…it is desired to give selections from the interesting and often stirring incidents with which our history is so richly stored, in the hope that the reader may acquire a taste for delving more deeply into the annals of the Badger State.”

Despite his stated purpose of writing for youth, the reading level is higher than usually considered suitable for students. Adult readers should not overlook this informative and interesting introduction to Wisconsin history. There are a number of fine drawings throughout.