Ink Trails: Michigan's Famous and Forgotten Authors

by Dave Dempsey, Jack Dempsey

Long revered as the birthplace of many of the nation’s best-known authors, Michigan has also served as inspiration to countless others. In this entertaining and well-researched book—the first of its kind—the secrets, legends, and myths surrounding some of Michigan’s literary luminaries are explored. Which Michigan poet inspired a state law requiring teachers to assign at least one of his compositions to all students? Which young author emerged from the University of Michigan with a bestselling novel derided by some critics as “vulgar”? And from what Michigan city did Arthur Miller, Robert Frost, and Jane Kenyon draw vital inspiration? The answers to these questions and more are revealed in this rich literary history that highlights the diversity of those whose impact on letters has been indelible and distinctly Michiganian.

Genres: Nonfiction

199 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book! Each chapter is about a writer who had a Michigan connection. Some I knew had lived in Michigan, others familiar but didn't know were from Michigan and some new to me altogether. There is a list of works and a list of sites to visit for each author, as well as a excerpts to give you a feel for their writing. A delightful read!

[J.D. Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of biographical vignettes, this is a great little work to whet your appetite for Michigan authors and their works. Review coming soon to http://moonlit-librarian.blogspot.com

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've lived in Michigan most of my life, and I'm ashamed to say I was unfamiliar with half of these authors. Very well-done book, at times lyrical about the state and its influence. Now I have more reading to do (and I've ordered volume II).

[Jan Hecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book - I had no idea so many Authors started out or lived in Michigan! I will read this again someday and had a copy sent to my friend who now lives in California.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was actually disappointed at first because I didn't read the synopsis when I picked this up, so I was hoping for a collection of works by these authors. The biographies are just the right amount without getting boring to get you interested enough to go pick up some more books, which I now need to go do...

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright, but the biographical sketches were very sparse, but the bibliographies and sites to visit were nice. I also feel that they missed some authors, mainly Elmore Leonard, but since he just died recently, maybe they weren't covering people who had already passed.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book about some of Michigan's lesser-known writers, as well as a few of the more famous ones. I definitely learned a lot about authors I hadn't even heard of prior to reading this book. Good for anyone intrigued by Michigan and its writers!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book and very well written. I had not known of many of the authors covered, but now I feel the need to read some of their works and visit the places they lived.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed these short introductions to Michigan authors. Several I knew. Some were new to me, not many. Want to read more about these authors. Looking to read others works by the Dempsey brothers.