The American Midwest An interpretive encyclopedia

The American Midwest considers 12 states that the editors believe have a particular sense of identity: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. A general table of contents outlines five major sections: "Landscapes and People," "Society and Culture," "Community and Social Life," "Economy and Technology," and "Public Life." Each theme has three to nine sections; in turn, each section offers its own table of contents, an overview article, and a series of essays with sources and further readings. The essays, which are expertly written, cover disparate topics that are drawn together in the overviews. For example, in "Landscapes and People," the "Images of the Midwest" section includes essays titled "Vastness," "The Corn Palace," "Duluth Ore Boats," "Superman and His Kansas Roots," "Nordic America," "Lake Wobegon," and "Jesse James." Other essays are affectionate and penetrating portraits of the 12 states as viewed by local experts.The term "encyclopedia," even when deemed "interpretive," is somewhat misleading. The work is more a collection of provocative readings that may inspire further research. Those looking for facts and figures on the Midwest will find that the expected information may be neglected or scattered. For example, the article on 18th-century Native Americans occupies only seven pages. Although the index cites numerous bits of information about Native Americans, this work does not provide cohesive, detailed information on the tribes. An overall table of contents and better page headings would help readers maintain their orientation within the volume. At a hefty nine pounds, the work is difficult to handle. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels. J. Drueke University of Nebraska--Lincoln