Author Talk and Book Signing - Eric Dregni Vikings in the Attic

Hear author Eric Dregni make a presentation about writing his book, Vikings in the Attic: In Search of Nordic America. In his book, Eric tracks down and explores the significant — often bizarre — historic sites, tales, and traditions of Scandinavia’s peculiar colony in the Midwest. Eric reveals the little-known tales that lie beneath the surface of Nordic America and proves by example why generations of Scandinavian-Americans have come to love and cherish these tales and traditions so dearly. 
After the presentation, Eric will be available for signing copies of his book which are available for purchase in the museum’s gift shop, the Scandia Butik.
 
Eric Dregni is an associate professor of English at Concordia University in St. Paul. He is the author of several books, including Midwest Marvels (2006), In Cod We Trust: Living the Norwegian Dream (2008), and Never Trust a Thin Cook (2009), all published by the University of Minnesota Press. During the summer, he is the dean of the Italian Concordia Language Village in northern Minnesota. He lives in Minneapolis. 
Praise for Vikings in the Attic 
“Vikings in the Attic, for all its humor and laughter-generating incongruities, is a serious book, raising important issues of national identity.” —Nordic Notes 
 
“Vikings in the Attic is serious and fun and full of little Scandinavian insights.”
—Chicago Tribune 
 
“As in past books, Dregni provides relaxed, humorous, and expert guidance as he reveals new and unexpected truths about familiar terrain.” —Minnesota History 
 
“Dregni’s survey is a serious and interesting exploration of why Scandinavians settled in the Upper Midwest.” —Star Tribune 
 
“This is a hugely enjoyable book that has plenty of history decked out in entertaining fashion.” —Flyoverland 
 
“Dregni is now the ‘go to guy’ on Minnesota quaint.” —Metro Lutheran 
 
“While I expected this book to be entertaining, I was surprised by how informative it was in terms of the social and political contributions of Scandinavians, from their founding of co-ops to being major players in socialist and communist parties in America, as well as their influence on unions, the suffragist movement, and Midwest and national politics.”