Tales and Trails of Illinois (Illinois)

Rating:
Summary: Quick brush-up on Illinois history
Review: As a transplanted Kansan, I wanted to learn more about my new home state. I found Tales and Trails of Illinois to be packed with fascinating stories that definitely helped me to get a greater knowledge about not just Illinois but also the role Illinois has played in American history.

The book is divided into 52 brief chapters that hit the highlights of a topic in Illinois history. Many of the chapters were originally published as a series of newspaper articles and left me wanting more detail, especially the one on "Illinois's Most Heinous Murderer: Herman Webster Mudgett". Someone needs to do a movie on that guy - he could be the prototype for Hannibal Lecter!

In short, this is an interesting, quick read but definitely not for someone looking for in-depth research or analysis. (Kind of reminding me of some eighth grade reports I used to grade...)

Rating:
Summary: Engaging, sometimes humorous, and always entertaining
Review: Originally published as weekly columns in newspapers, Stu Fliege's Tales & Trails Of Illinois brings together fifty-two fascinating vignettes of Illinois history. Black-and-white photographs enhance these brief yet exciting glimpses into events such as the Chicago Iroquois Theatre fire, to the wonder of natural features such as Lusk Creek Canyon. Engaging, sometimes humorous, and always entertaining, Tales & Trails Of Illinois is also available in a hardcover edition (0252027760...) and a wonderful addition to Illinois History reading lists and library reference collections.