I'm in the middle of a wonderful history of Chicago (set between 1835, shortly after incorporation, and 1920) by Emmett Dedmon which lent its title to this post. First published in 1953. It tells the tale of a boomtown populated by carpetbaggers, scoundrels, and scalawags. Oh yes and a little more than a handful of truly remarkable people as well.
A great read, the book paints a picture of a the city that lies somewhere between Scorcese's Gangs of New York and 60's sitcom Green Acres.
If you think that the problems of violence and corruption are unique to our generation, read this book. The only difference is that we're not up to our armpits in mud!
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