The story of how over half a million acres of Maine's most beautiful and revered land came to belong to everyone.

Former Maine Audubon director Thomas Urquhart is the author of For the Beauty of the Earth (Shoemaker & Hoard, 2004). He has written extensively on Maine's natural resources for such publications as Down East Magazine, Audubon, Habitat, and Port City Life. He lives in Portland, ME.

Prologue.
This land is our land (May X, 1982)
Chapter I.
"A tale of giveaways and neglect" (March, 1972)
Chapter II.
"Exhaustless Merchandize" (1783-1795)
Chapter III.
Wanted: "Some Astute Horse-traders" (April-June 1972)

Chapter IV.
Sagamores, Speculators & Statehood (1795-1820)
Chapter V.
"An honest report by a competent, conscientious young
lawyer" (June-December 1972)
Chapter VI.
Timber Pirates and Border Wars (1820-1842)
Chapter VII.
Public Lots Report: Likely Ammunition in the Spring (January-July, 1973)
Chapter VIII.
Folly of Exaggeration vs. Want of Just Appreciation (1842-1891)
Chapter IX.
Grand Plantations & Grand Negotiations (September 1973-December 1974)
Chapter X.
Trouble brewing: "A tremendous issue regarded from any point of view" (1891-1931)