Reviews of Maine Feldspar, Families, and Feuds:
“Van King’s new book is by far the most detailed treatment of western Maine’s pegmatite mining history. It features in-depth research on the families that worked the mines and their colorful personalities. The book is exceptionally well illustrated with modern and old-time photographs that have never been published elsewhere. It’s a labor of love that required many years of effort!” – Woodrow Thompson, Maine Geological Survey
"This marvelous book is a large and detailed collection of historical works involving Oxford County, Maine: its minerals, miners and its mining stories. It is certainly the first feature-length history of a granite pegmatite mining district, filled with research that documents and brings to life the characters (some shining knights some scoundrels) and places that formed Maine's mining legacy." - Mineral News
"I don't think I have read a stranger, more worthy volume than Maine Feldspar, Families & Feuds: Oxford County Mining History. ... The book is beautifully illustrated with images that are chosen for their rarity and quality. ... A key element of the book concerns chapters 9 through 14, written by other writers. These wonderful essay-chapters are chock-a-block with genealogical, ethnic, economic and social information that can be found nowhere else." - Portland Press Herald.
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“A great read!” – Bob Ritchie, Maine Mineralogical Symposium
“This is really wonderful! You certainly did your homework!” – Ben Conant, Paris Cape Historical Society.
“Thirty years of historical research in Oxford County and across the world, found its way into this book” – Terry Karkos, Lewiston Sun Journal.
“Nobody else could have written this book!” – Mary McFadden, Maine naturalist.
“There’s so much detail!” – Terry Szenics, international professional miner
“Van King’s new book is by far the most detailed treatment of western Maine’s pegmatite mining history. It features in-depth research on the families that worked the mines and their colorful personalities. The book is exceptionally well illustrated with modern and old-time photographs that have never been published elsewhere. It’s a labor of love that required many years of effort!” – Woodrow Thompson, Maine Geological Survey
"This marvelous book is a large and detailed collection of historical works involving Oxford County, Maine: its minerals, miners and its mining stories. It is certainly the first feature-length history of a granite pegmatite mining district, filled with research that documents and brings to life the characters (some shining knights some scoundrels) and places that formed Maine's mining legacy." - Mineral News
"I don't think I have read a stranger, more worthy volume than Maine Feldspar, Families & Feuds: Oxford County Mining History. ... The book is beautifully illustrated with images that are chosen for their rarity and quality. ... A key element of the book concerns chapters 9 through 14, written by other writers. These wonderful essay-chapters are chock-a-block with genealogical, ethnic, economic and social information that can be found nowhere else." - Portland Press Herald.
"
“A great read!” – Bob Ritchie, Maine Mineralogical Symposium
“This is really wonderful! You certainly did your homework!” – Ben Conant, Paris Cape Historical Society.
“Thirty years of historical research in Oxford County and across the world, found its way into this book” – Terry Karkos, Lewiston Sun Journal.
“Nobody else could have written this book!” – Mary McFadden, Maine naturalist.
“There’s so much detail!” – Terry Szenics, international professional miner
