Reviews
“Reuben Soderstrom was a giant, one of the seminal figures of the labor movement...It is
profoundly gratifying to see his story—and the story of labor itself—told in such an in-depth and
celebrated fashion.”
- Robert Bruno, Ph.D.
Professor of Labor and Employment Relations,
University of
Illinois
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“Beautifully narrated, lavishly illustrated, and impressively documented, FORTY GAVELS is much more than a
mere biography. It’s a vibrant history lesson and the story of principles, struggles, and achievements that
we should remember…This is a book that any reader will relish.”
- Kimberlee J Benart
Reviewer, Readers' Favorite
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“FORTY GAVELS is more than a biography or a study of one family’s patriarch. It’s a chronicle of a
movement...a reminder that even against overwhelming power, it’s possible to fight fear and
frustrations by working with others."
- Bill Knight
Professor of Journalism, Western Illinois University (Ret.)
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“For forty years, 1930 to 1970, Reuben G. Soderstrom stood at the top of the Labor Movement in
Illinois….Soderstrom’s story is also the story of the rise of Labor in Illinois in those crucial
decades. And now it has been told, in one of the biggest and most thorough biographies ever
written.”
- Carl Green
Ilinois Correspondent, Labor Tribune
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“Reuben Soderstrom’s legacy has been profound, lasting and inspiring. I encourage everyone to
enjoy the great history of our state organization captured in the beautiful pages of this book.
It is a real treasure worthy of the man it celebrates.”
- Michael Carrigan
President, Illinois AFL-CIO
“We honor and welcome this biography of Brother Reuben Soderstrom, and salute his life-long
dedication to improving the lives of working families both in Illinois and nationwide.”
- Richard Trumka
President, AFL-CIO