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Johnny Appleseed: The Man, The Myth, The American Story (2011)

by Howard Means(Favorite Author)

3.12 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1439178259 (ISBN13: 9781439178256)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Simon & Schuster

review 1: I heard mixed reviews before starting this with little intention of reading the entire book, but I was quickly captivated. It is very true that Means uses very little primary documentation or known facts about Johnny Appleseed, but that is because very few exist. He uses indirect storytelling focusing on the people, places, and known influences on John Chapman's life to help bring the unknown mystery a little more into focus. I happen to enjoy this type of history and find it very useful in trying to better understand motivations in the past. As for the book's subject, he is a fascinating character. I remember the Disney stories and only knew he was a real person because I saw his grave site as a child. The look at the role of orchards, the pioneer entrepreneurial op... moreportunities, and the Swedenborg mission do go a long way to explaining why there might have been a barefoot, pot-wearing, hermit pioneer dispensing apple seeds in early Ohio. Although honestly it still feels like there might be a major piece of the story missing.
review 2: A very interesting look at the man who became the legendary Johnny Appleseed. The book examines how this eccentric man evolved into a Disney hero and beloved symbol of gentle environmentalism. I loved seeing how John Chapman's image changes over the years. Fascinating to see how historical figures are investigated through sparce primary sources such as store records, newsaper articles and census data. Also a history of the United States in the years after the Revolutionary War--the expansion to the west, pioneers, the killing and forced relocation of native peoples. This book is American history through the life a very particular American. less

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