Chefs don't have time to write. While I was working on Smoke and Pickles, I was running a restaurant — a daily regimen of testing recipes,...
Continue »
kylebrittain, March 3, 2011 (view all comments by kylebrittain)
Oregon at Work is a phenomenal book, and a must have all history-minded Oregonians. The book uses written and oral histories to tell the story of Oregon’s labor force since statehood. Although this is a work of labor history and non-fiction, I found the stories of Oregon Trail pioneers and their descendants to be as compelling as any fiction written about the era. It was also refreshing to read about the lives of Native- and African-American workers (these narratives tend to be ignored or glossed-over in much of the Oregon history I’ve read). Beyond the well-researched, comprehensive written history of Oregon at Work, the book’s design is excellent. The stark, dramatic black-and-white photographs help bring the book’s many fascinating characters to life. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Samwise, October 30, 2009 (view all comments by Samwise)
I loved this book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and looking at all of the pictures. I felt the book did a good job of breaking down the different types of jobs and work environments of Oregon since its foundation until today. It's wonderful book for children or teens who're doing projects in regards to Oregon's history.
CME, April 11, 2009 (view all comments by CME)
Oregon at Work transports the reader back in time as they learn what it was like to work in the 1850's, the 1900's, the 1950's and today. The authors skillfully weave personal stories and photographs of 20 pioneer families with historical research and economic statistics. Meet the founder of the town of Carlton, a farmer/legislator from 1862, an End of the Trail resort owner, the one room schoolhouse teacher, and the blacksmith. Then jump ahead 50 years and meet their descendants. As the reader moves through time they see a reoccurring theme, Oregonians are strong and resilient people.
This book offers readers an opportunity to be encouraged by where we were and hope for where we are going. I strongly recommend it.
Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used, and out of print books. Shop those shelves — plus literally millions more books, DVDs, and eBooks — here at Powells.com.