A Man's Reach
Encyclopedia
A Man's Reach is an autobiography by Elmer Andersen, the former governor
of Minnesota
, published by the University of Minnesota Press in 2000.
“Andersen’s story is the Horatio Alger myth
made real, but his life is about much more than money and politics. He believes in public service, in democracy, and in striving to meet the needs of all citizens, especially those in the worst circumstances. Andersen’s strong faith and values resonate from the first page of this autobiography. His writing is honest, personable, straightforward, portraying both the personal rigor and thoughtfulness of his business and newspaper careers.” —St. Paul Pioneer Press
“Andersen and his skillful editor Sturdevant have produced a book that refreshes the spirit by reminding us of the possibilities of a life devoted to the service of others. This delightful memoir will rejuvenate the faith of all who believe in the value of honesty and the power of perseverance harnessed to a noble cause.” —Minnesota History
"A Man's Reach is a book that warms the heart and should inspire any reader to be a better person. It's also the detailed account of the life of a very successful businessman, politician, and most important, a great humanitarian. . . . It's simply but forcefully told, it's shrewd, and it's quietly humorous and warm." —Dave Wood's Book Report
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
of Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
, published by the University of Minnesota Press in 2000.
“Andersen’s story is the Horatio Alger myth
Horatio Alger myth
The "Horatio Alger myth" is a criticism of the rags to riches message in books by Horatio Alger, Jr. . Alger wrote over 100 books for young working class males, beginning with Ragged Dick, which was published in 1867. His books have been described as rags to riches stories...
made real, but his life is about much more than money and politics. He believes in public service, in democracy, and in striving to meet the needs of all citizens, especially those in the worst circumstances. Andersen’s strong faith and values resonate from the first page of this autobiography. His writing is honest, personable, straightforward, portraying both the personal rigor and thoughtfulness of his business and newspaper careers.” —St. Paul Pioneer Press
“Andersen and his skillful editor Sturdevant have produced a book that refreshes the spirit by reminding us of the possibilities of a life devoted to the service of others. This delightful memoir will rejuvenate the faith of all who believe in the value of honesty and the power of perseverance harnessed to a noble cause.” —Minnesota History
"A Man's Reach is a book that warms the heart and should inspire any reader to be a better person. It's also the detailed account of the life of a very successful businessman, politician, and most important, a great humanitarian. . . . It's simply but forcefully told, it's shrewd, and it's quietly humorous and warm." —Dave Wood's Book Report