True Tales of Kansas (Forgotten Tales) - State History

In this review of True Tales of Kansas (Forgotten Tales) the reviewer finds a compact, well-told collection for readers who want local color and historical anecdotes rather than exhaustive scholarship. Roger Ringer compiles stories that bring Kansas personalities and small moments to life, making it a satisfying pick for history fans who enjoy readable narrative and surprising origin stories. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its focus on memorable, human-scale episodes - from a farm-to-industry family to a Medal of Honor recipient and a courtroom victory over Jim Crow.

Key Features

• Concise storytelling: Short, focused accounts make each episode easy to read in a single sitting and keep attention on the characters and events.
• Local anecdotes: The book highlights little-known origin stories such as the inventive telephone exchange and the tractor company's early roots, which illuminate everyday life in Kansas.
• Human-centered history: Profiles of figures like Captain Donald K. Ross and Nannie Jones put a personal face on larger historical themes and civil rights struggles.
• Accessible tone: Ringer writes for a general audience, making the material suitable for nonacademic readers and casual history fans.
• Varied topics: Coverage ranges from industry and invention to military service and social justice, giving readers a varied sampling of Kansas history.

Who It's For

This book is best for readers who enjoy state and local history, museum visitors looking for context, and residents who want to learn anecdotes about their communities. It works well as a gift for someone with Kansas roots or interest in American regional stories, since each tale reads like a short essay and is easy to share aloud.

Those seeking exhaustive archival research, primary-source citation, or a comprehensive statewide chronicle should look elsewhere; this volume favors vivid episodes and narrative sketches over full scholarly apparatus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engaging human stories that connect readers to Kansas people and events.
• Variety of topics keeps the book lively from one tale to the next.
• Readable prose that suits general audiences and makes history approachable.

Cons

• Not a deep academic treatment; readers wanting exhaustive detail may find it light.

Specifications

Title	True Tales of Kansas (Forgotten Tales)
Author	Roger Ringer
Coauthor / Contributor	Amy Bickle
Subject	Kansas state and local history
Content focus	Anecdotes on invention, industry, military service, and civil rights
Examples included	John Deere origins, Captain Donald K. Ross, telephone exchange story, Nannie Jones case

Our Verdict

True Tales of Kansas is a well-paced collection for readers who want lively, human-scale history rather than academic depth. It offers good value as an accessible introduction to regional stories and is recommended for anyone curious about the quirky origins and courageous figures that shaped Kansas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover prominent Kansas institutions?
The book touches on industrial origins such as the early company that became part of John Deere, presented through personal stories.

Are the stories suitable for casual readers?
Yes. The narrative tone and short chapters make the book easy to read for nonacademic audiences.

Does it address social history topics?
It includes social justice episodes, for example the Nannie Jones case and its local memorialization at Highland Cemetery.