The Heartland: An American History

"The Midwest, in the center of America, occupies a central place in the American political discourse. How can politicians win Midwesterners’ votes? What do they think? Everyone, allegedly, wants to know. The Heartland: An American History argues, by way of example, that those are the wrong questions. Author Kristin Hoganson writes an engaging, thorough history of the region as a big player in all the things people suggest it’s not, including international trade and fast-paced change. She also shares archival newspaper articles, old-timey livestock names and other colorful bits that make it (perhaps unexpectedly) an exciting read."