Chicago by Gaslight: A History of Chicago's Netherworld: 1880-1920

by Richard Lindberg

This book revises the picture of the glittering Chicago of impressive mansions and museums; it exposes the city's corrupt underbelly and the realities of life in an age which is often assumed to have been simpler and more moral than ours. Includes chapters on the Haymarket riot, the gamblers' wars, the notorious levee red-light district and institutionalized graft.

Genres: History

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[David Eppenstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was born and raised in Chicago and love reading about the history of this city. I can't imagine another American city with a history as colorful and varied as Chicago. This book, however, covers Chicago's most colorful era, 1880 to 1920, but does not succeed in doing real justice to the spirit and grittiness of the era. Actually the book really isn't so much a history as a collection of selected stories from that era. I was aware of all the events covered and did learn a little more from this reading but the author seemed to focus on the corruption and criminal activity while giving casual mention to the opposite end of the city's social and cultural spectrum. I could have accepted this focus had the author done so in an entertaining manner but he didn't. I have read much better, more thorough, and more entertaining books about Chicago that were real histories. If you want a quick review of Chicago in this time period then this book will suffice. If you want a real history then I'd suggest Donald Miller's "City of the Century".

[Ian Raffaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book chronicling the Chicago underworld and its connection to corrupt political forces from 1880-1920. The book ends at the dawn of Prohibition. Everyone seems to focus so much on Chicago's crime during the Roaring Twenties that we seem to forget the decades that set the stage. Chicago was no shining city upon a hill in 1920. Lindberg's book invites us to look at the city as it was before it became infamous throughout the world. The last chapter deals with the Red Summer of 1919. It reminded me of when I read City of Scoundrels: The 12 Days of Disaster That Gave Birth to Modern Chicago by Gary Krist. Fans of that book will be well versed in Gaslights closing.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a collection of anecdotes than a full “history,” but informative and entertaining nonetheless.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I wouldn't do to have half the knowledge of the Chicago underworld as Richard Lindberg. This is a wonderfully written and referenced overview of several important points in Chicago history in the late 1800's and early 1900's, including labor unions, the levee district, newspaper politics, and the start of prohibition. Lindberg has lovely way of crafting fact into writing that is informative and interesting. I would recommend his books to anyone looking to learn a little more about the gritty side of Chicago.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had some interesting facts about Chicago, but it wasn't nearly as good as Sin in the Second City. Sin really let the reader get to know the players in depth. By virtue of being a shorter book and covering a wider range of topics, Chicago by Gaslight didn't give the reader a good feel for the people involved.

The most interesting parts were about Haymarket Square.

This book was a dry telling of Chicago history. I prefer history books that come alive like Sin or Thunderstruck.

[Dr Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindberg provides a remarkable account of the turn of the century in Chicago. Pre-Al Capone, Chicago by Gaslight tells so many unheard of stories of crime, corruption and the like that existed through Chicago’s great history. Recommended for anyone interested in the gritty and squalor underbelly of any major city (especially Chicago!)

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to know the tawdry, seamy side of Chicago? This very entertaining book will fill you in on some of the city's legendary shadier characters.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

they managed to make a fascinating and salacious subject rather dull reading.