Decribes the evolving nature of the small midwestern town, from 1800's to present. Long held as an iconic place in American culture, the reality is more complex. This is a collection of writings from historians, novelists, social scientists, poets and journalists featuring well know authors such as Sherwood Anderson, Carol Bly, Willa Cather, Hamlin Graland, Sinclair Lewis, Garrison Keillor, Mark Twain as well as many lessor know but important writers. The five choronological sections trace the founding, growth and decline of the midwestern town.