Each day counting down to the announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards we highlight one of the finalists. Today we feature 2015 Minnesota finalist Larry Millett and Matt Schmitt.
A Tour of Minnesota’s Grand Homes
Minnesota’s Own: Preserving Our Grand Homes by Larry Millett, photography by Matt Schmitt
Published by: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Category sponsored by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Minnesota’s Own: Preserving Our Grand Homes takes readers on an impressive tour of twenty-two of the state’s most beautiful residences. More than two hundred gorgeous color photographs accompany Millett’s captivating stories of each home’s construction, original owners, and restorations. Also included is historical information about each region, making this book not only an excellent guide to some of the most impressive homes in the state, but also a trove of information on Minnesota history. In the entry for the Lawrence S. Donaldson House in Minneapolis, Millett shares the story of the home’s namesake, a Scottish immigrant who founded Donaldson’s department store and became “a classic American success story.” Also featured is the story of Swan J. Turnblad, the son of Swedish immigrants who donated his Park Avenue mansion in Minneapolis to the American Swedish Institute.
About the Author:
Larry Millett is an architectural historian and award-winning writer whose books include Lost Twin Cities, AIA Guide to the Twin Cities, and Twin Cities Then and Now. He is also the author of seven mystery novels, most recently Strongwood: A Crime Dossier, which is also a finalist for the 2015 Minnesota Book Awards in the Genre Fiction category.
Matt Schmitt’s photography career has spanned thirty years. He has done advertising, commercial and architectural photography. Visit his website.
The reviews are in:
“Larry Millett’s previous book, Once There Were Castles, mourned the loss of historic Twin Cities mansions that were destroyed. His new book chronicles saving architecturally significant beauties for future generations – while telling a good tale about each one.” – Lynn Underwood, Star Tribune
“It isn’t overly dramatic to say that Minnesota’s Own is breathtaking.” – Mary Ann Grossman, Pioneer Press
“This rich and sumptuous book is a real feast for the eyes. The combination of Larry Millett’s witty and informative text and Matt Schmitt’s beautiful photographs has resulted in one of the finest books yet produced on Minnesota’s exquisite residential architecture.” – Alan K. Lathrop, emeritus professor and curator, Northwest Architectural Archives, University of Minnesota
Links:
MPR interview & slide show
Take a look inside the Donaldson House with Larry Millett and Matt Schmitt
Join us at the Awards Gala!
Award winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Minnesota Book Awards Gala on Saturday, April 18 at the historic St. Paul Union Depot. The opening reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and are available by visiting www.thefriends.org/gala.
Have you read Minnesota’s Own? What are your thoughts? We welcome your comments!
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