Hollowed Ground: Copper Mining and Community Building on Lake Superior, 1840s-1990s (Great Lakes Books) Paperback – May 15, 2010

A number of fine books have been written about various aspects of the copper mines in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This particular book touches on many aspects from the Geology of copper deposits to the companies and the miners who worked for them. In several words it is inclusive in a way we have not seen since Angus Murdoch classic "Boom Copper" published in 1945. Hollowed Ground is not a quick read. You will want to take some time to consider the details The recent TV documentary on the strike of 1913-14 is related in Chapter 15. By the time you arrive to this event you understand a great deal about mining and the history of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The book has an extensive bibliography and chapter notes. It is well illustrated. One thing I found lacking were maps of enough detail of locations mentioned in the text.. I resorted to other sources.

Too many books on heavy industry focus on communities,people and unions, and often neglect the industry that producedthe wealth that made the former possible. This book doesn’tfollow that script. “Hollowed Ground,” while including thehuman side, has its focus on the copper mining, milling andsmelting industry of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This book is asuperb narrative of the operations in Copper Country. Whilesome knowledge of underground mining methods would behelpful, that is not a hindrance in understanding the history ofAmerica’s first major copper mining region.Definitely a book for those interested in copper mining andsmelting, heavy industry and business. A good companion bookwould be “Copper Country Rail” by George Anderson andRichard Taylor put out by Arcadia Publishing.

Fascinating history of the Copper Country. Lots if detail and extremely well written.

This was purchased for a college class and is one of the most readable books I've had. The information is well laid out in the text and notes were easy to take while reading. As an engineering student, I greatly appreciate books that have well structured chapters and sections.This would also make a great book for pleasure reading if you're interested in the history of the Keweenaw.

If you're looking for information about mining in Michigan , this book and any by Larry Lankton, will fill the bill. The book was in wonderful condition.

I bought this for my husband because his family is from the Keweenaw peninsula, and his ancestors were copper miners. He is not usually an avid reader, but he zipped right through this book. He loved the in-depth look at the mining industry. It brought the history to life for him. Recommended to anyone who has an interest in the Keweenaw's rich history.