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.

Recounts the life of the extraordinary lumberjack whose unusual size and strength brought him many fantastic adventures.

Larger-than-life heroes epitomize the American spirit. Capture the tales that have entertained generations of eager listeners in these delightful time-honoured classics.

Recounts the legend of Paul Bunyon, the giant lumberjack.

Twenty-one stories about the legendary hero of loggers, Paul Bunyan.

Paul Bunyan has a BIG problem. He's in love but the lady who has caught his eye will have nothing to do with him. What's a giant lumberjack to do? When Paul Bunyan meets pretty Lucette, he knows she's the gal for him. After all, she's so tall she can't fit into an ordinary cabin. She can churn butter into a thick creamy river, and when she cleans house she can twirl up a tornado! Why, it's a match made in heaven! But to win Lucette's heart, Paul must prove his worth in a love test. Acclaimed storyteller Marybeth Lorbiecki brings together history and legend for a rollicking American tall tale. Enchanting artwork tenderly gives life to the BIGGEST love story the north woods region has ever seen.Marybeth Lorbiecki has written more than 20 award-winning books, including the acclaimed Jackie's Bat and Sister Anne's Hands (IRA Best Books of the Year 1999). History and conservation are favorite themes in her work. Marybeth lives in Hudson, Wisconsin. Renée Graef is well known as the illustrator for the "Kirsten" books in the American Girl children's book series, and has also illustrated many My First Little House books. Renée's other work with Sleeping Bear Press includes B is for Bookworm: A Library Alphabet. Renée lives in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

"Legends of Paul Bunyan features more than thirty authors celebrating the largest lumberman, including stories by such Bunyan luminaries as James Stevens and W. B. Langhead, as well as literary icons Robert Frost and Carl Sandburg."--p. [4] of cover.