The Reading Warehouse

Culled from the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society's110-year archive of scholarship, this volume of more than thirty articles illuminates the colorful episodes, meaningful events, and significant characters in the rich history of Illinois. Selected by committee and edited by David W. Scott, A Bicentennial Commemorative of the Prairie State celebrates the state's two-hundred-year history with a broad scope of voices and perspective.

The Illinois State Historical Society has published its Journal continuously since 1908. In collecting previously published articles here with attention to both scholarship and readability, this bookoffers a varied and nuanced look at the state's history. It brings to light many buried treasures still relevant today.

Organized chronologically, with a short summary introducing each article, this compendium of Illinois lore covers the early 1800s to the modern era. Localities range from Chicago to Cairo and from Quincy to Urbana. Topics range from the Underground Railroad to the Lincoln story, from the Columbian Exposition to the women's suffrage amendment, and from education reformers to civil rights activists in Chicago. Also in these pages are Civil War soldiers, politicians, entrepreneurs, musicians, clergymen, civic leaders, farm women, and union members. An overarching theme is change--achievements and breakthroughs as well as setbacks and conflict.

Scott includes an overview of the Illinois State Historical Society's contributions to preserving Illinois history through publications and other activities as well as its expansions and reorganizations over the years. To enhance its helpfulness for students, researchers, and educators, the book includes suggestions for further reading and points the reader to online articles.

In commemorating the Prairie State's two hundred years in one volume, this collectionwill stimulate readers to explore furtherthe state's past as they anticipate its future.