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but compact history, Roger Biles provides a much-needed, up-to-date account of the states development, from the early native settlements to the present. Focusing on Illinoiss demographic changes over time, he highlights the key figures who contributed to the states government, economy, culture, and the arts. While devoting attention to the touchstones of history, Illinois illuminates also the achievements of ordinary people, including the women, the African Americans, and the other minorities whoalong with the politicians, the captains of industry, and the military heroescontributed to the states growth and prosperity. National events shaped the state as well, and Biles explores the impact of such crises as the Civil War and World War II on the people of Illinois. No history of Illinois can ignore the states largest city, the dynamic metropolis on Lake MichiganChicago. Drawing on extensive research, Biles illuminates Chicagos pastits outbursts of labor unrest and racial tensions as well as the splendors of two worlds fairs and an artistic renaissancewhile at the same time relating Chicago to the larger story of Illinois and its people. Connecting lesser-known stories with the main events of the states past, Biles writes in an accessible style that is at once entertaining and enlightening. Featuring 67 illustrations, Illinois will captivate readers of all ages and interests.