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Books Tout Midwestern History

Jon Lauck argues that the American Midwest is an orphan among regions.  In comparison to the South, the far West and New England, its history has been sadly neglected.  Lauck said the Midwest has played a crucial role in the development of the entire country.  Lauck, an attorney, historian and senior advisor to Senator John Thune, is the author of "The Lost Region: Toward a Revival of Midwestern History."  He was joined by South Dakota State University emeritus professor of history John Miller.  Miller tells the stories of men who grew up in the middle of America and transformed the nation and the world.  Henry Ford, Johnny Carson, Walt Disney, Ronald Reagan and Bob Feller are among the icons he wrote about in his new book, "Small-Town Dreams: Stories of Midwestern Boys Who Shaped America," due for release in about a month.