While studying art and architecture at the University of Wisconsin during the Great Depression, Karl Nelson wanted to make some extra money by joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps. But he got more than he bargained for when his unit was called to active duty in the Army. Then the Army Secret Services saw his art training as a springboard for his studying in Sweden as a cover for his spying on art being looted by the Nazis. There he enlisted a Swedish woman art student to join him as a spy. After the war, these Art Sleuths continued to investigate ownerhip of art, to the dismay of varied...

Overcome by the loss of family and loss of hope in the middle of the Great Depression, 13-year-old Sven Johnson caught a freight-car in Minnesota to head west. Via the Great Northern train and the hobo jungles along the line, he expanded his education and his chance for opportunity. In Montana, he was thrown off by the railroad "bulls" and toward a fresh start in a new family, community and school. Applying his talents and tenacity, he grew in character and capabilities toward remarkable associations and accomplishments.

Whistle-Stop is a fitting description for the fictional small town of Lincoln, Minnesota. The Great Northern (sometimes called the Jim Hill locally) rumbles through the town, usually not stopping. Unless to unload or pick up a package or passenger. Or to sidetrack for handling boxcars at the grain elevator. When a new young and attractive teacher arrives on the Jim Hill, she helps transform the small school into a place of creative learning. And she quickly spots an outstanding student, who just wants to be a basketball star. But he's the runt of his class and team. Slowly he grows physically...