Chicago Skyscrapers in Vintage Postcards

By Leslie A. Hudson

Book Overview

The skyscraper has changed the face of urban architecture--and it all started in Chicago. Born out of the ashes of Chicago's Great Fire of 1871, the first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738533424
• ISBN13: 9780738533421
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

gorgeous and fascinating

Lovers of Chicago's magnificent architecture will very much enjoy this unique little book. It is essentially comprised of a series of photographs (most of them from vintage postcards) of various architectural gems and highlights from Chicago's downtown, especially the Loop, which were erected between about 1866 to the mid 1930s, and many of which either no longer exist or have been significantly altered over the years. It is a look back into history. The book is organized by area of town, i.e. Michigan Ave., Wabash Ave., State St., Dearborn St., Clark St., La Salle St., and along the river and North Michigan St. Each chapter opens with a street layout, with a key to each important building in the area, whether or not it is in the photographs. The photos/postcards follow, each identifying buildings, significant details, alterations, occasionally interior photos, and once in a while even text of the postcard on the back. The presentation is well thought out and thoroughly engrossing. I am very glad I bought this book. I thumb through it often. If you are a fan of Chicago's architectural heritage, you ought to have a copy.