In the Richness of the Earth A History of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, 1843-1958 Book

I first encountered this work while working on a class project, writing the history of a Polish Catholic parish in Milwaukee's River West neighborhood (St. Casmir Represent!). Beginning during the earliest days of Catholic presence within Wisconsin and extending to just prior to Second Vatican, In the Richness of the Earth is probably the single greatest history of the Catholic Church in Wisconsin that has been written. Rather than simply focusing on the activities of the Archbishops themselves, Avella creates a narritive which includes the voices of German, Polish, Irish, Yankee and other settlers within the state. Whereas prior generations of scholarship often attempt to smooth over disagreements and conflicts in order to create the impression of a united Church, the author gives these controversies their right due. It's a masterful history and well worth the read, I cannot suggest it enough.