"Biles' first-rate primer on the state's history will be a useful
resource for anyone curious about a state whose residents have
played crucial roles in almost every major episode in the nation's
history." ― Chicago Tribune Crossroads of the continent, Land of
Lincoln, hub of commerce—or, as Charles Dickens viewed it, a
landscape "oppressive in its barren monotony"—Illinois boasts a
rich and varied past. In this far-reaching but compact history,
Roger Biles provides a much-needed, up-to-date account of the
state's development, from the early native settlements to the
present. Focusing on Illinois' demographic changes over time, he
highlights the key figures who contributed to the state's
government, economy, culture, and the arts. While devoting
attention to the touchstones of history, Illinois illuminates also
the achievements of ordinary people, including the women, the
African Americans, and the other minorities who—along with the
politicians, the captains of industry, and the military
heroes—contributed to the state's growth and prosperity. National
events shaped the state as well, and Biles explores the impact of
such crises as the Civil War and World War II on the people of
Illinois. No history of Illinois can ignore the state's largest
city, the dynamic metropolis on Lake Michigan—Chicago. Drawing on
extensive research, Biles illuminates Chicago's past—its
outbursts of labor unrest and racial tensions as well as the
splendors of two world's fairs and an artistic renaissance—while
at the same time relating Chicago to the larger story of Illinois
and its people. Connecting lesser-known stories with the main
events of the state's past, Biles writes in an accessible style
that is at once entertaining and enlightening. Featuring 67
illustrations, Illinois will captivate readers of all ages and
interests.
General
Imprint: |
Northern Illinois University Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
October 2005 |
First published: |
October 2005 |
Authors: |
Roger Biles
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152 x 30mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover
|
Pages: |
351 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-87580-349-4 |
Categories: |
Books >
Humanities >
History >
General
Books >
History >
General
|
LSN: |
0-87580-349-0 |
Barcode: |
9780875803494 |
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