Akershus and the Ruling Class
From the fortress walls of Christiania, an inquisition is launched against a farmer-fisherman who dared to speak. A look at the trial that shaped a constitution.
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Innovation is the child of freedom;
the parent of prosperity.
COMING SEPTEMBER 2026
View from Bru Island Northward Toward NTB Fishing Grounds · Photo by Alexia Brue © 2026
About To My Beloved Norwegian Countrymen
A farmer/fisherman defends himself against the bureaucracy while fighting for freedom of speech, religion, and trade. He earns the support of his fellow fishermen as well as the followers of Hans Nielsen Hauge and is exonerated after two trials. His mission is fully accomplished after his death.
One of the book's genuine strengths is the way Mr. Brue uses the evidence. He does not ask the reader to accept his conclusions. He shows the record. The archival exhibits gathered here, drawn from Norway's digital archives, transcribed from original Danish-language manuscripts by Professor Nils Olav Østrem of the University of Stavanger.
About Nord
Nord was trained as a lawyer and became an entrepreneur and college professor. He has been studying genealogy and history throughout his career.
From an Iowa farm to Grinnell, Washington University Law, the JAG Corps, and the founding of Bruegger's Bagels — his path has crossed law, business, and civic leadership at Green Mountain Power, Vermont Public Radio, and Grinnell College. To My Beloved Norwegian Countrymen is his first book.
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Bergen's wharves grew rich on the labor of Norway's coastal farmers. The fish tithe was the thread holding the old order together — until Bru pulled at it.
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Faith, Freedom, and the Country Church
Religious freedom in Norway did not arrive by decree. It was carried into Parliament by men who had felt the weight of the old establishment first.
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