Leland L. Sage

5248. A History of Iowa, by Leland L. Sage (read 19 Feb 2015) Even though this book was first published in 1974--over 40 years ago. I found it exceptionally enjoyable and informative reading. Over the years I have read quite a bit about my native state, even having read this author's biography of William Boyd Allison as long ago as 2 April 1957. And I have read great histories of other states, such as North Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, and Kentucky, but have not read as such a history of Iowa. No doubt the reason I found this such a fascinating read is because over the years I have read and learned about Iowa events. I especially found the author's recital of events in Iowa from 1918 to 1972 full of interest--and I learned things I lived through and should have known but apparently had forgotten. It was especially interesting to read about the 1930's in Iowa, when Iowa abandoned its total adherence on the Republican Party. There have of course been times of Republican dominance since then but fortunately such have been interrupted by Democratic successes more frequently than was the case in the time from the Civil War to the first World War.. The author at times expresses his opinion and usually I agreed with that opinion--which always makes reading more pleasurable.… (more)

This book is very interesting to me because it was first published (in 1974) just about the time we moved our family to Iowa. It is written by a non-Iowan who also happened to make Iowa his permanent home. Although he was a professor of European History, one of his interests was in stimulating students to write about Iowa history. When he realised there was no really comprehensive history of his adopted state, he wrote his own, and this book is the result. It's not aimed at any particular audience - it's for anyone of any age who is interested in the history of their state. After touching on the geography and climate of the area, the book takes you through the time when "Iowaland" was first being settled in 1673, right on through to the recent years, which for Professor Sage were 1938 to 1972. Although a little dated now, it's still a wonderful basic history of our adopted state.… (more)