The Identity of the American Midwest: Essays on Regional History (Midwestern History and Culture) [Paperback]

Andrew R. L. Cayton (Editor), Susan E. Gray (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Midwestern History and Culture | Publication Date: February 20, 2007

In a series of often highly personal essays, this book considers the question of regional identity as a useful way of thinking about the history of the American Midwest. The contributors begin with the assumption that Midwesterners have never been as consciously regional as their fellow Americans, east, south, and west. They note the particular absence of the Midwest from the recent revival of interest in American regionalism among both scholars and journalists. Drawing on personal experiences as well as a wide variety of scholarship, the authors consider what it means to be from the Midwest and why Midwesterners have traditionally been less assertive about their regional identity than other Americans.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Editors Cayton and Gray, along with R. Douglas Hurt and Jon Gjerde, provide insightful contributions that help solidify the group's and the region's claim to authentic regional status worthy indeed of more such inspired study by similarly well-qualified regional specialists. The Midwest may yet become a contender for true regional rank." —Journal of Illinois History

(Journal of Illinois History )

About the Author

Andrew R. L. Cayton is Distinguished Professor of History at Miami University. He is co-editor of The American Midwest: An Interpretive Encyclopedia (IUP, 2007).

Susan E. Gray is Associate Professor of History at Arizona State University and author of The Yankee West: Community Life on the Michigan Frontier.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (February 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253219205
• ISBN-13: 978-0253219206
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,379,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)