Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewRussell P. Strange Memorial Book Award, Illinois State Historical Society, 2019
"Well-written, clearly organized, traditional history that shows the changing issues in Illinois politics and government. The focus on the history of slavery is important and noteworthy. A real contribution." --Ann Durkin Keating, author of Rising Up from Indian Country: The Battle of Fort Dearborn and the Birth of Chicago
"Extremely strong in research, clarity, and narrative. As I read, I knew I was in the hands of a skilled researcher, one who had really mastered a complex sequence of events and learned and digested a complex set of political debates." --Robert Michael Morrissey, author of Empire by Collaboration: Indians, Colonists, and Governments in Colonial Illinois Country
"Attractively written, this book provides a fresh look at underappreciated elements of Illinois's state formation and early development, with compelling new insights into the story of the state's constitutions."--David Spadafora, President and Librarian
"A very informative read. . . . Recommended."--
Choice"This book should be in the personal library of every person interested in the history of the state of Illinois." --
Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society"Cicero defly assesses the development of the Illinois constitutions and shows how the state dealt with key racial and cultural issues within a complex political system. He highlights the roles of a number of Illinois leaders. This fine book will benefit scholars and the public." --
Journal of American History"Carefully researched and engagingly written . . . .
Creating the Land of Lincoln is wonderfully rewarding." --
The Annals of Iowa
