Stephen W. Hines

Laura Ingalls Wilder, noted author of the Little House on the Prairie series, was also a columnist for the Missouri Ruralist and in this volume are the collected columns from 1911 to 1924.

These columns provide a wealth of insights into rural life in turn-of-the century America and of the most interest is how Wilder sees the impact of progress on rural life. Her columns concerning women's voting, the First World War and its aftermath are particularly interesting: namely that women should be informed of the political process since it is such an important duty to be able to vote.

The other columns about day-to-day life on the farm sometimes feel repetitive but the joys and sorrows of rural life are constantly conveyed.… (more)

A very interesting book, filled with memories of people who knew Laura Ingall's Wilder. Since nobody thought to collect these until at least twenty years after she died, some of them conflict, or are fuzzy. It is good to read them for what they are and not take them for solid facts. There are some recipes from some of the pioneers of De Smet, including one from Laura's mother. Many photos and some of Laura's writings, which she did before she wrote her books, are included. This has given me a desire to seek out some of Rose Wilder Lane's writings, she sounds like a very interesting woman.… (more)