Shortridge (cultural geography, U. of Kansas) examines the idea of the Middle West, relating the changing meaning of the term, regional identity, thepastoralism of the area. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
"Visualize the Middle West. What do you see? Amber waves of grain? America's Dairyland? Lake Wobegon? Shortridge, a cultural geographer, defines the Middle West through a sense of place. He writes in a lively style and effectively integrates culture, climate, economy, and symbol. This book should interest any Middle Westerner, even a transplanted one."--Milwaukee Journal
"This book is the most noteworthy treatment of the American Middle West produced to date by a geographer or, to the best of my knowledge, by any other breed of scholar. . . . [It is] required reading not only for persons with a certain regional predisposition but also for anyone wrestling with the deeper mysteries of American culture as a whole."--Geographical Review
"The Midwest . . . is a common but elusive regional label. Moreover, as James Shortridge demonstrates in this excellent book, it is a concept with a fascinating history and a controversial, provocative present existence. . . . Readers interested in virtually any aspect of the Midwest-popular culture, intellectual, cultural, and social history, American Studies and literature, sociology, economics-are likely to find something here to pique approval or argument. . . . This book is extremely stimulating. The topic itself was an inspiration."--Midwest Review
"The Middle West is not just a place, it's an idea--a necessary fiction for the American psyche. Shortridge offers a unique and fascinating look at its meaning, essence, and character."--Wichita Eagle
"Absorbing, . . . lucid, imaginative, and evocative."--Annals of Iowa
"Informative and entertaining. . . . A valuable contribution to the literature of American regionalism."--Nebraska History
"All readers should find much in this book to enjoy. . . . Its nontraditional approach will be of continuing interest to scholars who are seeking a fresh look at regional exposition."--Gateway Heritage, Missouri Historical Society
"There is nothing like this book in print . . . nor anyone as capable of doing as good a job as Shortridge."--Peirce Lewis, author of New Orleans: The Making of an Urban Landscape
"I put this book down thoroughly delighted. Any way you slice it, this is a swell theme, and Shortridge does a highly satisfying job."--James R. Parsons, University of California, Berkeley, past president of the Association of American Geographers
