The American Midwest: An Interpretive Encyclopedia seeks to embrace this large and diverse area, to give it voice, and help define its complex, yet distinctive character. Organized by topic, the encyclopedia encourages readers to reflect upon the region as a whole. Each section moves from the general to the specific, covering broad themes in longer introductory essays, filling in the details in the shorter entries that follow. There are portraits of the region's twelve states, their geography and people: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. These are followed by entries on society and culture, community and social life, economy and technology, and public life.<BR>Even if you are a casual browser, you will discover in the Encyclopedia facts that will engage, inform, and enlighten. It will introduce you to the region's ethnic diversity, its vast array of foods, languages, styles, religions, and customs. You'll discover Somalis in Ohio, Hmong in Wisconsin, Hispanics in Iowa, and Muslims in Michigan. You'll find research on the history of the region, its culture and values, and its conflicts.