The Centennial History of Illinois. Vols. I. and IV. (Spring-
field : Illinois Centennial Commission.)-We have already noticed the fifth and last volume of this elaborate history of Illinois, written to celebrate the centenary of its recognition as a State of the Union in 1818. The first volume, by Professor C. W. Alvord, covering the period from 1673 to 1818, will ho of special interest to English readers as it deals with the discovery and settlement by the French of this remote part of " Louisiana," with its brief and troubled occupation by the British authorities from 1763 to 1783, and with the gradual spread of American rettlers from the east after Groat Britain had ceded the country south of the Great Lakes to the new Republic. The author commends Shelburne for making no difficulty about this cession, although most of the "Old Northwest" was then occupied by British troops and Indians, while the scanty white population w",18 mainly French es in Quebec. The fourth volume, by Mr. lit L. Bogart and Mr. C. M. Thompson, deals with "The Indus- trial State" from 1970 to 1893. The political chapters are 14hly instructive.
Previous page
