A New History of Iowa

Iowa is often overlooked and misunderstood, but Jeff Bremer's A New History of Iowa offers a comprehensive and dynamic account of the state's history, from the last ice age to the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores Iowa's small-town culture, politics, social and economic development, and diverse inhabitants, including well-known individuals and new voices. The book is written for a broad audience and provides a fresh perspective on a state whose history has been neglected.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2023
Publisher: University Press of Kansas

The state of Iowa often goes unnoticed and misunderstood, with its small population and location in the heart of a vast country. It is often perceived as an uninspiring place filled with farms and cornfields, lacking the excitement and diversity of other states. However, Iowa holds a significant place in American history, comparable to New York and California, and its history is more dynamic, complex, and influential than commonly imagined.

Jeff Bremer's A New History of Iowa presents the most comprehensive account of the Hawkeye State ever written, spanning from the last ice age to the COVID-19 pandemic. This book offers a fresh and vibrant perspective, exploring the state's small-town culture, politics, social and economic development, and the diverse range of its inhabitants. Bremer features well-known figures such as Sauk leader Black Hawk, artist Grant Wood, botanist George Washington Carver, suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, and President Herbert Hoover.

However, Bremer goes beyond these familiar names by incorporating the voices of new individuals, including runaway enslaved men who joined Iowa's 60th Colored Regiment during the Civil War, young female pearl button factory workers, Latino railroad workers who migrated to the state in the early twentieth century, and recent refugees from Southeast Asia and the Balkans. This broader approach adds depth and richness to the state's story, providing a comprehensive narrative that appeals to a wide audience, including high school and college students, teachers, scholars, and general readers.

A New History of Iowa is a captivating and accessible narrative that tells the story of ordinary and extraordinary people from all backgrounds. It sheds light on the state's surprising, complex, and remarkable past, filling in gaps in our knowledge and helping us understand the state's place in the broader tapestry of American history. Whether you are a resident of Iowa or simply interested in learning more about this underrated state, this book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to delve into the rich and fascinating history of Iowa.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780700635559