Book DescriptionIn Governors' Mansions of the Midwest, Ann Liberman explores the history of twelve prominent mansions in the Midwest-Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Liberman focuses on architectural history, from the houses' construction, through various alterations made by later occupants, to thorough renovations of recent years. For each, she discusses when the house was built, how much it cost, the architecturalstyle and the architect, and the furnishings and interiors. Liberman notes patterns as they emerge, including the trend of alterations made by first ladies in their desire to put their marks on these residences. The text is accompanied by eye-catching color photographs by Alise O'Brien that entice readers to visually explore the lavish interior and furnishings as well as the dignified exterior and formal landscapes of each mansion.