Historian Richard D. Durbin, author of "The Wisconsin River: An Odyssey Through Time and Space," has donated a new book, called "The Kilbourn Dam: A Tale of Hopes, Dreams and Schemes", to the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River.

Durbin's book recounts the intrigue, bitter contention, violence and financial misdeeds surrounding development and construction of the Kilbourn Dam on the Wisconsin River at Wisconsin Dells.

Each phase of the story is replete with its own compelling elements: scoundrels, powerful antagonists, bunglers, unique construction problems, battles -- legal, physical and otherwise -- and much more. In truth, the dam's history is as much a tale of men against their fellow men as it was against nature.

The 112-page book, to be released in May 2008, will be available in local bookstores and at the H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum.

To reserve a copy of "The Kilbourn Dam: A Tale of Hopes, Dreams and Schemes", contact Stewards' President Debbie Kinder by e-mail at kinderd@uwplatt.edu or by phone at (608) 253-6658.