Cosponsored by the Illinois State Historical Library and the Illinois State Historical Society, this bibliography lists more than 4,600 books, articles, and manuscript sources. Drawing on the publications of the sponsoring organizations as a guide and to form the core of the volume, the editors include the major historical publications related to Illinois. Following a chronology of Illinois history, entries are organized in both chronological and topical chapters. The volume provides the only extensive bibliography on Illinois history currently available.

Covering the entire span of Illinois history from prehistory to the present, the chronological section includes chapters on such major periods as the early exploration and territorial periods, the Civil War era, the 19th century, and the Depression era. Topical chapters include broad topics, such as economic history, education, environment, and native Americans. The volume also includes a section devoted to biography and one covering general and regional histories and reference sources.