Publisher's Synopsis
The Great Valley is a novel by Edgar Lee Masters that takes readers on a journey through the history of the Illinois River Valley. The story begins with the arrival of French explorers in the 1600s and follows the lives of the valley's inhabitants through the centuries. The novel is divided into four parts, each of which covers a different period in the valley's history.In the first part, readers are introduced to the Native American tribes that lived in the valley before the arrival of European settlers. The second part covers the arrival of French traders and the establishment of a fur trade in the region. The third part follows the valley's transformation into a farming community in the 1800s, while the fourth and final part covers the valley's industrialization in the 20th century.Throughout the novel, Masters explores themes of colonization, land use, and the impact of technology on society. He also delves into the lives of individual characters, including farmers, industrialists, and Native American leaders, to give readers a sense of the personal struggles and triumphs that shaped the valley's history.Overall, The Great Valley is a sweeping historical epic that offers a vivid portrayal of the Illinois River Valley and the people who called it home.1916. A collection of verse from the American poet and novelist who practiced law for nearly thirty years and is best remembered for Spoon River Anthology, a series of poems about his boyhood experiences in western Illinois, and the book that would make his reputation and become one of the most popular and widely known works in all of American literature. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
