Remembering Ourselves
You can’t think about the future without thinking about the past, and with a new year ahead it’s a perfect time to revisit the lessons of history. From Springfield, to the Ozarks, to the United States and beyond, you will find it in this list.
America, the World, and the Universe
The Autobiography of Mark Twain Vol. 1 by Mark Twain
The third and final volume of Twain’s autobiography was just released, but this book kicked it all off on the 100th anniversary of his death. It is a broad and unvarnished look into not only Twain’s life, but the life of America itself, as it expanded west, survived the civil war, and grew into an industrious global power.
A big history : from the Big Bang to the Present by Cynthia Brown
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘look at the big picture’, well that’s exactly what historian Cynthia Brown attempts to do with this title, taking its reader from the big bang to the 21st century and beyond. Brown covers a lot of ground in a simple and engaging way, and connects the story of humanity to that of the world, the universe, and beyond.
Showa : a history of Japan, 1926-1939 by Shigeru Mizuki
Manga artist Shigeru Mizuki starts this autobiographical graphic novel series with the rise of the Japanese Empire, and continues in additional volumes on into the 1980’s. They offer an incredible first hand insight into the tumultuous and prosperous history of 20th century Japan, including Mizuki’s personal experience of WWII.
The Rural Midwest Since World War II edited by J.L Anderson 
As the middle child of American history it is easy to feel overlooked in the midwest, but our area has always been a linchpin for American progress. this collection showcases reflections on our unique history during the greatest period of growth and change humanity has known.
Springfield and the Ozarks
Springfield's Urban Histories edited by Stephen McIntyre
This book brings together a diverse cast of writers taking on over 100 years of Springfield. Each author discusses a pivotal and challenging moment in city history as it evolved from the Civil War into the 21st Century
The Ozarks in Missouri History edited by Lynn Morrow
Get out of town with this broad look at the rich history of the entire Ozarks region. These essays are compiled from the Missouri Historical Review and touch on far-ranging subjects, from forestry to race-relations, and much more.
A Brief History of Springfield, Missouri: the first 100 years edited by Kenneth Shuck
This account of Springfield showcases its birth, covering 1818 to 1920. A marvelous look at the foundations laid and developments made as Springfield joined the United States, survived the Civil War, and grew with industrialization and modernization.
and...
You can find even more local history in our catalog, and on the local history section of our website where you'll find: historical postcards, digitized Ozark Periodicals, and more!
Stop by the Local History department at the Library Center too! Comb the minds of our staff, flip through micro-film, and browse their collections!
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