From its turbulent beginnings to its current status as one of the world's most dynamic cities, City of the Century tells the story of Chicago--and the story of America, writ small. From its many natural disasters, including the Great Fire of 1871 and several cholera epidemics to its winner-take-all politics, dynamic business empires, breathtaking architecture, its diverse cultures, and its diverse population of writers, journalists, and artists, Chicago's story is violent, inspiring, passionate, and fascinating from the first page to the last.

The winner of the prestigious Great Lakes Book Award, given to the year's most outstanding books highlighting the American heartland, City of the Century has received consistent rave reviews and was made into a six-hour film airing on PBS's American Experience series. Written with energetic prose and exacting detail, it brings Chicago's history to vivid life.