Plains Folk: The Romance of the Landscape

In their second collection of essays and observations, Emporia State University, Kans., professors Hoy (English) and Isern (history), coauthors of a syndicated newspaper column, ``Plains Folk,'' cover topics ranging from ethnic diversity and cultural heritage to folklore and monuments in the landscape. Among these last are silos, old threshing machines and windmills. There are tales of the Dust Bowl era, community games, rodeos, the prairie Bigfoot and bindweed. Hoy and Isern discuss regional food (mulberry pie, fried chicken, sandhill plums), recall farm practices of their youth (cattle yokes) and take a nostalgic look at the town pasture. These gentle pieces of delightful Americana convey a deep appreciation of the Great Plains and its culture. (June)