This book on Laura Ingalls Wilder and her popular series of children's novels springs from the premise that history and literature are closely intertwined and that each has much to contribute to the other.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [175]-202) and index.

1. Introduction: at the intersection of history and literature -- 2. Place and community in Wilder's De Smet -- 3. Freedom and control in fact and fiction -- 4. Love and affection in Wilder's life and writing -- 5. Fact and interpretation in Wilder's fiction -- 6. Narrative rules and the process of storytelling -- 7. Textbook history versus lived history -- 8. De Smet as frontier destination and way station -- 9. Relaxing and building community at the Couse opera house -- 10. Two artists of the prairie: Laura Ingalls Wilder and Harvey Dunn.