Illinois Authors | Paul Simon Public Policy Institute | SIU

Illinois Authors builds on our initiative Illinois 101, in which more than 20 prominent Illinoisans recommended histories, biographies, novels, or essays to provide a more nuanced understanding of our state. The recommendations were published as our Illinois 101 booklet. Now, Illinois Authors provides an important venue for book events and author discussions focusing on Illinois history, politics, economics, sports, and culture. This program is partially funded thanks to a grant from Ameren Illinois.

Check back for upcoming events.

Past speakers

• Allison Joseph – Poet & director of SIU's MFA creative writing program
  

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  Jennifer Close – Author of Marrying the Ketchups
  

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  Ray Long – Author of The House That Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois' Velvet Hammer

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  Douglas Wilson – Author of Honor's Voice: The Transformation of Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words
  

• Margo Jefferson – Author of Negroland

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  Kristin Hoganson – Author of The Heartland: An American History
  

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  Robert Hartley – Author of Paul Simon: The Political Journey of an Illinois Original, and Paul Powell of Illinois: A Lifelong Democrat