Nebraska: A Guide to the Cornhusker State

American Guide Series

by Work Projects Administration, Alan Boye (Contributor)

First published in 1939, A Guide to the Cornhusker State was collaboratively written by the Federal Writers’ Project (FWP). As part of the Works Project Administration, the FWP gathered together some of the best writers of the era. Collectively, they undertook a nationwide initiative to record information about America and create comprehensive guides to their respective states. The wonderful results were a well-written blend of travel guide, ethnography, local history, and cultural document. This guide to the Cornhusker State brought together Nebraska writers such as Weldon Kees, Mari Sandoz, and Loren Eiseley. These respected authors created a remarkable compendium that includes chapters on the state’s history, environment, peoples, flora and fauna, government, agriculture and industry, folklore, architecture, art, and literature. Rewarding reading for the armchair traveler and a companion for the tourist, Nebraska captures an era and makes accessible to readers information that is not readily available outside archives.

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

Reviews

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our first week in Nebraska, just two years ago last week, we went to Barnes and Noble and I purchased a few books on Nebraska history and travel. This particular one, prepared in the 1930's, has been my downstairs bathroom reading material for a very long time now, completed today during a break from painting outside.

The book covers the history, culture, and economy of the state and then provides a series of driving tours with tidbits on the small towns, massacre sites, Oregon Trail gravesites, and more. Fascinating, fun, out-of-the-ordinary and rather dated information that has been a joy to read.