The WPA Guide to Wisconsin: The Federal Writers' Project Guide to 1930s Wisconsin

by Federal Writer's Project, Norman K. Risjord (Introduction)

Overview

At the height of the Depression, the government put thousands of writers to work for the Works Progress Administration. Out of their efforts came the American Guide series, the first comprehensive guidebooks to the people, resources, and traditions of each state in the nation.
 
The WPA Guide to Wisconsin offers a lively tour of yesterday’s Badger State. More than a nostalgic snapshot of 1930s Wisconsin, this book contains essays on the state’s history and architecture, folklore and geology, arts and industry. The city tours and auto trips take you to places still familiar today—perfect for those who want to slow down, turn off the main road, and journey back in time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780873515535
Publisher:	Minnesota Historical Society Press
Publication date:	05/01/2006
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	680
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Norman K. Risjord, professor emeritus of history at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is author of Wisconsin: The Story of the Badger State and A Popular History of Minnesota (MHS Press).

Editorial Reviews

Depression-era politicians regarded it as a harmless "make-work" program, but the Federal Writers' Project blossomed far beyond its charter. In 48 states, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, hardworking WPA staffers wrote and edited individual volumes in the American Guide series. These guidebooks set such a high standard that they remain valuable for their comprehensive information on state history, people, resources, art, architecture, folklore, and traditions. This 680-page paperback reprint of the WPA guide to the Badger State has two features that the 1941 original lacked: A radiant new cover illustration and an authoritative introduction by Wisconsin historian Norman K. Risjord.