"The sympathetic, flattering tone that Nagle brings to his subject is unusual and perhaps even refreshing in current historical writing, especially on topics related to capitalist resource extraction. [. . .] Nagle makes his case well and his portrait of Justus Stearns the person generates a certain respect for his subject [. . .]"—Robert S. Weise, Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

"[. . .] Nagle's ability to highlight how seemingly unconnected regions and industries could be pulled together through common businessmen's transactions adds much-needed complexity to our understandings of late nineteenth? and early twentieth?century investing. Holdings in multiple industries and regions were never limited to big businessmen but were part of the regular transactions of smaller businessmen like Justus Stearns. Nagle's demonstration of this is a valuable contribution to turn-of-the-century business studies."—Dana M. Caldemeyer, Ohio Valley History

"The biography is a window to the region's entrepreneurial spirit, and it rides on Stearns' monopoly-building foray. A quick read, it felt like a guided walk through Ludington and the region's hard-fought flight to industrialization. [Nagle] navigates Stearns life with ease, manipulating time without losing clarity. Hopping back and forward, Nagle parades his knack for tuning descriptive anecdotes in each of the nine winding chapters."—Kevin Duffy, Great Lakes Echo

"This is an excellent biography of an important man and a major contribution to business and Michigan history. The analysis and insight into a man who might be called a 'robber baron' is really remarkable. Highly recommended for all with even a minor interest in the various subjects covered."—Donald Whisenhunt, Professor Emeritus, Western Washington University

"Michael W. Nagle's book Justus S. Stearns is another strong example of an overdue treatment of a significant figure in Michigan and Kentucky. Justus Stearns personifies the long-held belief in the American dream. Working as a farmhand milking cows was the entry-level job that ultimately led to his becoming a lumber baron, owner of major business interests, and Michigan secretary of state. Professor Nagle has tenaciously researched the life and times of Stearns and written a compelling narrative."—William M. Anderson, Former Director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries and Author of the Glory Years of the Detroit Tigers: 1920?1950 (Wayne State University Press, 2012)