The Transformation of Rural Life

“Adams translates economic and anthropological theory into jargon-free prose. Her ability to tell a story in accessible language means the book can be easily read by undergraduates or farmers themselves. . . . Adams shows breadth-taking scholarship and a richness of data . . . and communicates a love of place and an empathy with people that is captivating.” — Anthropological Quarterly

“A significant case study and a well-written and attractively produced book. The Transformation of Rural Life is a major contribution to our field.” — Agricultural History

“ [A] strong and important contribution to the history of rural life in the United States.” — Journal of American History

“A treasure trove of information. . . . A major contribution to Illinois history as a definitive work and an example of how agricultural history should be researched and written.” — Illinois Historical Journal

“Solidly researched, well argued, and beautifully written. Jane Adams helps us see the big picture while keeping the focus of our attention on the families and farms of southern Illinois. Her book makes a timely and important contribution to the history of American agriculture in the twentieth century.” — John Mack Faragher, Yale University

“Will shatter many assumptions about the prosperity, farming strategies, and ethnic dominance of the rural Midwest. Adams evokes with clarity and insight the ordinary life and concerns of families eking out a living from the land. In this history produced by an anthropologist, we are engaged by gritty detail as well as a love of people and place.” — Sonya Salamon, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign