Volume editors seek proposals for chapters to be included in an edited collection focused on exploring the history, development, and culture of the Eastern edges of the American Midwest and the distinctions between the American East and Midwest. The volume is planned for publication by the Kent State University Press.

Proposals should explain the author’s general approach to the topic and include the sources to be consulted as well as the author’s curriculum vitae. Topics to be explored include, but are by no means limited to, historical understandings of the dividing line between the East and the Midwest; historical examples of friction between the East and the Midwest; examples of the transference of Eastern culture and institutions into the Midwest and, conversely, examples of the development of regionalist culture and institutions in the Midwest; general Midwestern resistance to “derivative” institutions and culture; historical and contemporary examples of frictions between the Midwestern “backcountry” and the Eastern seaboard; the geographical and topographical approaches to designating the East and the Midwest as distinct regions; literary or other cultural understandings of the dividing line between East/Midwest; the political distinctions between East and Midwest; descriptions of the growth of regionalist thought and practices which have contributed to a distinctive Midwestern consciousness; the regional identity of Cleveland; the attempt to embrace Eastern culture in the Midwest (e.g. Ann Arbor); the identity of borderland cities such as Pittsburgh; discussions of debates about whether Ohio is Midwestern; analyses of the real and perceived dividing line between Pennsylvania and Ohio; economic unities and frictions between the East and Midwest.

Chapter proposals will be due July 1, 2019. If a proposal is accepted, the author’s chapter will be due July 1, 2020. Final chapters should be approximately 7,500 words, including notes, and in Chicago style. The editors of the collection will be Jon K. Lauck and Gleaves Whitney. All proposals should be sent to jlauck1941@hotmail.com

Individuals who submit proposals which are received by February 15, 2019 will be considered for inclusion on a discussion panel focused on the themes of the book which will occur at the June 2019 Midwestern History Association/Hauenstein Center conference on Midwestern studies in Grand Rapids, Michigan.