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

By: Irving Cutler

Narrated by: Steve Ember

Chicago: Metropolis of the Mid-Continent provides a comprehensive portrayal of the growth and development of Chicago from the mudhole of the prairie to today's world-class city. This completely revised fourth edition skillfully weaves together the geography, history, economy, and culture of the city and its suburbs with a special emphasis on the role of the many ethnic and racial groups that comprise the "real Chicago" of its neighborhoods. Cutler demonstrates how the geography of "Chicagoland" and the influx of a diverse population spurred transportation, industrial technology, the economy, and sporadic planning to foster rapid urban growth, which brought both great progress and severe problems.

Through insightful analysis, Cutler also traces the demographic and societal changes to Chicago, critically examining such problems as the environment, education, racial tension, crime, welfare, housing, employment, and transportation.

Illinois State Historical Society Award for Superior Achievement. The book is published by Southern Illinois University Press.

©2006 Irving Cutler (P)2017 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"The best short introduction to Chicago." (Chicago Historical Society)

"A scholarly, detailed work, showing not only how Chicago developed but why." (Chicago Tribune)

Chicago by the numbers

A lot of data with too little of the 'story' of the area. unless one is already familiar with the city, or is listening with a good map available much of the information lacks context. Would be better approached as text with appropriate ancillary resources available.