3 best Illinois history books
Welcome to the rich, vast tapestry that is Illinois History. Each page of our recommended books unfurls with storied sagas of native tribes, valorous pioneers, industrious workers forging their destiny along with the state’s skyscrapers and railroads, and political giants who’ve staged their era-defining dramas on this very soil. Voyage into intrigues and struggles, dreams, and triumphs that have shaped the cultural identity and legacy of the 'Prairie State', all meticulously chronicled and preserved for generations to come.
Illinois
By Roger Biles
How it fits the "Illinois history books" vibe: Biles' book is a comprehensive yet engaging dive into the history of Illinois, from its early indigenous peoples to present day. This book should certainly fulfill your curiosity about the Land of Lincoln.
Page Count: 341
Published Date: 2005
Prairie Fire
By Julie Courtwright
How it fits the "Illinois history books" vibe: This book provides a comprehensive look into the environmental history of the Great Plains, including Illinois. An insightful choice for a deeper understanding of the ecological aspects of Illinois's past.
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Page Count: 288
Published Date: 2023-01-13
Chicago
By Dominic A. Pacyga
How it fits the "Illinois history books" vibe: While not entirely about Illinois, 'Chicago: A Biography' is a detailed exploration of the history of Illinois’s most famous city. This book will fill you in on how Chicago shaped the state's history.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Page Count: 472
Published Date: 2009-10-15