Great Black Swamp

Since moving to the Great Black Swamp area I've become interested in learning about the region's history. The author puts together snippets from the life and times of those who settled and lived in the area as well as valuable information about the growth of the nation. There is a treasure of history here, displaying the best and the worst of the human condition. A fascinating read from front to back, which gave me some insight on why there are so many mosquitoes here at night (ha). Also, I noticed all the huge ditches running alongside the roadways, and after I read the series of books, I finally have an appreciation as to why they are there. My perspective has changed and any book that can do that is worth mentioning.

I recently read the Great Black Swamp I & II and found both books to be well written with many interesting and often obscure historical accounts. The book is well illustrated with relevant photos. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in early US history, pioneers, Indians, etc.

I just bought these books three days ago and have finished them all. Mollenkopf needs to write more!!! I am from the Black Swamp area of Ohio ~~ and I remember the tales of my childhood when my father told me stories of how big the trees used to be before civilization came along and drained the Black Swamps. However, I have to clarify that I am from the southwestern part of the Black Swamp, which to my disappointment, is not featured very much in his Black Swamp books. Never mind ~~ I live in Defiance now and have traveled back and forth to Toledo ~~ so some of the landmarks he's talking about is in this book and I am familiar with them. If you are a history buff ~~ this is a great book for you to read about this area of the country. If you like Ohio history or even American history ~~ this book is definitely for you! It starts back in the beginning with Anthony Wayne's fight against the British and the Indians and end with Charles Dicken's visit to Ohio. All these little stories ~~ beautifully written and easy to read ~~ makes you long for more stories. These stories remind me of sitting at my dad's knee and listening to the stories of days yonder. In today's frantic world, it is hard to imagine what the world used to be. This book offers a glimpse of a quieter but harsher life. I highly recommend this book for any serious reader! It's hard put down! 10-12-05

Being from Northwest Ohio, I liked this book in particular because I could relate to every location Mollenkopf mentioned, although I believe anyone interested in how people lived in early America and dealt with the difficulties of travel will like this book. This book is very well written, not boring like some history books; I couldn't put it down. There are many pictures, old and new, and a tribute to a revolutionary war veteran. I learned many interesting things about the history of the area where I live, many of them just miles from my home. I liked it so much I put three more of Mollenkopf's books on my wish list, I can't wait to read "The Great Black Swamp II".