Mark Neuzil is a journalist and professor emeritus at the University of St. Thomas. He is author or coauthor of several books, including Views on the Mississippi: The Photographs of Henry Peter Bosse and Canoes: A Natural History in North America, both published by the University of Minnesota Press.

• ContentsIntroduction: Wilderness CharactersConservationist in the CornerCharles Hallock (1834–1917)Nearer to NatureCharles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa) (1858–1939)A Walk in the WoodsDietrich Lange (1863–1940)Wild at HeartThe MuriesOlaus (1889–1963), Adolph (1899–1974), Margaret (1902–2003), and Louise (1912–2012)Partners in Wilderness Arts and LettersFlorence Page (1890–1972) and Francis Lee Jaques (1887–1969)Historian of the Border CountryGrace Lee Nute (1895–1990)What Was Once LostCalvin Rutstrum (1895–1982)Polar Adventurer, InstigatorJack O'Brien (1897–1938)Nature's MentorSigurd Olson (1899–1982)Of People and the LandMeridel Le Sueur (1900–1996)Prairie RealistMartha Ostenso (1900–1963)Expert Storyteller, National ArtistMaude Kegg (Naawakamigookwe) (1904–1996)First Lady of the North WoodsJustine Kerfoot (1906–2001)Gunflint TrailblazerHelen Hoover (1910–1984)Entrepreneur, Iconoclast, American OriginalGeorge Herter (1911–1994)A Youthful Adventure Lasts a LifetimeEric Sevareid (1912–1992)The Tower of SiouxlandFrederick Manfred (1912–1994)The Forest for the TreesRobert Treuer (1926–2016)The Coming-of-Age SurvivorGary Paulsen (1939–2021)A Naturalist's EyePaul Gruchow (1947–2004)ConclusionAcknowledgmentsSources and Further Reading

"There's a conversation taking place on the pages of this book. Some of the voices are contemporary, some historical, some educated, some rough-hewn. Mark Neuzil reflects on the sources of inspiration for twenty Minnesota writers. Rooted in the North invites the reader in to join the conversation. Don't decline the invitation!" —Sue Leaf, author of A Love Affair with Birds: The Life of Thomas Sadler Roberts"What a service Mark Neuzil has done! A compelling and authoritative survey of some of Minnesota's best known—and lesser known—nature writers. Rooted in the North should be required reading for anyone who cares about our great outdoors." —Daniel J. Philippon, editor of Our Neck of the Woods: Exploring Minnesota's Wild Places