Chicago: Metropolis of the Mid-Continent, 4th Edition

After using this book for almost 25 years at the high school level, I believe that the new edition is even more complete than earlier editions have been. This should be the first book anyone reads about Chicago. It has covered most topics about the city that one could think of at any time. The only topic that it neglects, is politics, which would take up volumes. From the geography of the city, to the economics and the city's future it is all encompassing. The book has always been very readable and continues to do so. For anyone interested in Urban geography, it is the best place to start. The chapters on Neighborhoods are a joy unto themselves. Many friends have told me how much they learned from them, as well as bringing back memories. Dr.Cutler has done an outstanding job in expanding and improving this edition. It should be on top of any reading list about Chicago.

Irving Cutler is clearly in love with Chicago, which he calls the "metropolis of the Mid-Continent". It is not a starry-eyed love that blinds him to the faults of the city, but rather a mature love that sees the object of his affections clearly. Cutler describes the history of the city, its constantly morphing neighborhoods as they change from rich to poor and back again, populated by every imaginable ethnic group. He describes the geography which, even as a practically lifelong resident, I find I was not fully familiar with. No aspect of the city is left untouched. Education, culture, the business history (which is fascinating), the future. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs and charts. Books like this are often boring. This one isn't. The vibrancy of Chicago, past and present, is well captured by Irving Cutler who is clearly very much in love the city. Well worth reading even by the person who has never been to Chicago and has no intention of visiting - and very well worth the attention of every resident of Chicago. A remarkable book. Jerry

This bustling, brawling metropolis of the American MidWest! Cutler gives a lively discussion of its history and its present. Showing how it grew from a tiny settlement fort, surrounded by hostile natives, to a modern colossus. During which, many peoples settled. From all regions of Europe, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ghettos arose of Jews. And indeed of other ethnic groups. Often with overcrowding and dismal sanitation common to many neighbourhoods. The text gives good coverage to many of these groups. Including Poles, Lithuanians and Czechs. More recently, there have been enclaves from Mexico, India and China. We see civil rights struggles. Notably for Negros. But also for Mexicans. There is also a description of the city's economy. It is the rail nexus of the MidWest. Through which passes a lot of agricultural products exported overseas. So too for machinery. Cutler does not neglect culture. From its famous writers like Mencken and Bellow to its artists and musicians. Perhaps the only thing downplayed in this book is the harshness of the winter by the lake. For newcomers, this can be the biggest adjustment to make.