In 'Holy Old Mackinaw,' author Stewart Holbrook presents a 'lowbrow' look at Oregon loggers * Oregon ArtsWatch
Briefly

Stewart Holbrook emerged as the first Oregon historian to gain national fame by adopting a unique storytelling approach that contrasted sharply with traditional scholarly methods. He arrived in Portland in 1923 and began his writing career, focusing on lively characters and dramatic events in his books. His first major success, Holy Old Mackinaw, showcased his distinct style and resonated with a wide audience. Over his career, he wrote over 30 books and countless essays, spotlighting lesser-known figures and topics, particularly in logging and American history.
Stewart Holbrook's unique approach to history emphasized storytelling over scholarly rigor, making him a popular figure in Oregon's literary scene.
His first book, Holy Old Mackinaw, employed a distinctive down-to-earth style, capturing the lives of lumberjacks and resonating with readers.
Holbrook’s prolific writing career included over 30 books and hundreds of essays, covering a broad range of topics while focusing on lively narrative.
By prioritizing character-driven stories and dramatic events in his writing, Holbrook successfully reached a wide audience, contrasting with previous historians' scholarly approaches.
Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News
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