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Illinois: A History Of The Land And Its People
Illinois A History Of The Land And Its People Author:Roger Biles Crossroads of the continent, Land of Lincoln, hub of commerceor, 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 settle... more »ments to the present. Focusing on Illinois's 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 whoalong with the politicians, the captains of industry, and the military heroescontributed 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 MichiganChicago. Drawing on extensive research, Biles illuminates Chicago's pastits outbursts of labor unrest and racial tensions as well as the splendors of two world's fairs and an artistic renaissancewhile 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.« less