You Were Never in Chicago

Biography & Memoir, Literary, Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book You Were Never in Chicago by Neil Steinberg, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Neil Steinberg ISBN: 9780226924274
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: October 25, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Neil Steinberg
ISBN: 9780226924274
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: October 25, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

In 1952 the New Yorker published a three-part essay by A. J. Liebling in which he dubbed Chicago the "Second City." From garbage collection to the skyline, nothing escaped Liebling's withering gaze. Among the outraged responses from Chicago residents was one that Liebling described as the apotheosis of such criticism: a postcard that read, simply, "You were never in Chicago."

Neil Steinberg has lived in and around Chicago for more than three decades—ever since he left his hometown of Berea, Ohio, to attend Northwestern—yet he remains fascinated by the dynamics captured in Liebling's anecdote. In You Were Never in Chicago Steinberg weaves the story of his own coming-of-age as a young outsider who made his way into the inner circles and upper levels of Chicago journalism with a nuanced portrait of the city that would surprise even lifelong residents.

Steinberg takes readers through Chicago's vanishing industrial past and explores the city from the quaint skybridge between the towers of the Wrigley Building, to the depths of the vast Deep Tunnel system below the streets. He deftly explains the city's complex web of political favoritism and carefully profiles the characters he meets along the way, from greats of jazz and journalism to small-business owners just getting by. Throughout, Steinberg never loses the curiosity and close observation of an outsider, while thoughtfully considering how this perspective has shaped the city, and what it really means to belong. Intimate and layered, You Were Never in Chicago will be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of all Chicagoans, be they born in the city or forever transplanted.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1952 the New Yorker published a three-part essay by A. J. Liebling in which he dubbed Chicago the "Second City." From garbage collection to the skyline, nothing escaped Liebling's withering gaze. Among the outraged responses from Chicago residents was one that Liebling described as the apotheosis of such criticism: a postcard that read, simply, "You were never in Chicago."

Neil Steinberg has lived in and around Chicago for more than three decades—ever since he left his hometown of Berea, Ohio, to attend Northwestern—yet he remains fascinated by the dynamics captured in Liebling's anecdote. In You Were Never in Chicago Steinberg weaves the story of his own coming-of-age as a young outsider who made his way into the inner circles and upper levels of Chicago journalism with a nuanced portrait of the city that would surprise even lifelong residents.

Steinberg takes readers through Chicago's vanishing industrial past and explores the city from the quaint skybridge between the towers of the Wrigley Building, to the depths of the vast Deep Tunnel system below the streets. He deftly explains the city's complex web of political favoritism and carefully profiles the characters he meets along the way, from greats of jazz and journalism to small-business owners just getting by. Throughout, Steinberg never loses the curiosity and close observation of an outsider, while thoughtfully considering how this perspective has shaped the city, and what it really means to belong. Intimate and layered, You Were Never in Chicago will be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of all Chicagoans, be they born in the city or forever transplanted.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Jellyfish by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Economic Analysis of the Digital Economy by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book The Pseudoscience Wars by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book The Opera Fanatic by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Tocqueville in Arabia by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Science on American Television by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Proust among the Nations by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book States of Terror by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Midnight Basketball by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Gringo Gulch by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Human-Built World by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Little Kisses by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Backcasts by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book Gusto for Things by Neil Steinberg
Cover of the book The Foundations of Natural Morality by Neil Steinberg
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy