Introducing the Illinois books issue

Close your eyes and think of Illinois. Take your time. Free associate. I’m not a mind reader but I guess you see fields of corn and red barns against blue skies. Now think architecture. Of course, Frank Lloyd Wright. History — who else but honest Abe? Politics — no not our ex-governor. I’ll give you a hint. Think bow tie and it can only be Senator Simon.

Several writers and photographers have published on these subjects within the past year. Other writers have brought out entertaining and serious fiction, poetry, biographies and memoirs. Reviewers with interest in and expertise for their subjects offer a glimpse of the state of writing in and about Illinois. While many of the books are reviewed at length, we have also included a “briefly noted” section to give you an idea of the breadth and depth of literature in our state.

As writers, we have enjoyed putting this issue together for you, our readers. Here’s to Illinois and to the written word. — Corrine Frisch, editor, Illinois books issue

Corrine Frisch served for nearly 30 years as the public relations director of Lincoln Library, Springfield’s public library. In her retirement she enjoys walking her big dog, rooting for the New York Yankees and sleeping late.

Contents

14 Lincoln’s Political Generals by David Work. Reviewed by Julie Cellini

15 A Man of Salt and Trees by James Ballowe. Reviewed by Edward Russo

16 Paul Simon: The Political Journey of an Illinois Original by Robert E. Hartley. Reviewed by Taylor Pensoneau

17 The Sufficiency of the Actual by Kevin Stein. Reviewed by Thea Chesley

18 Barns of Illinois by Larry Kanfer, text by Alaina Kanfer. Reviewed by Ginny Lee

19 The President’s Henchman by Joseph Flynn. Reviewed by Jacqueline Jackson

20 Life Along the Illinois River by David Zalaznik, Reviewed by Jacqueline Jackson

21 A Measure of Joy – Opening to the Energy of Reiki by Gay Stinnett. Reviewed by Corrine Frisch

21 Beautiful Piece by Joseph G. Peterson. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman

22 Communities of Frank Lloyd Wright: Taliesin and Beyond by Myron Marty. Reviewed by Roberta Volkmann

24 Books briefly noted Reviewed by Corrine Frisch

25 Illinois Center for the Book by Corrine Frisch