Chicago: Heart and Soul of America (Urban Tapestry Series)

"We're very sophisticated, boasting the most vital theatrical community in America, but we're naive to the point that we're still shocked whenever another politician we trust gets indicted. A deeply religious town that tolerates sinners, Chicago combines all that is awe inspiring and a lot of what is awful about America."

Such paradoxes fuel award-winning author and columnist Norman Mark's fascination with his hometown. In Chicago: Heart and Soul of America, he explains that there's much more to the Windy City than people see on the surface. Aided by an outstanding collection of images compiled by noted art director Kerry Robertson, Mark explores the lesser-known side of Chicago--the side that boasts a history full of colorful personalities and memorable events.

Take "Cap" Streeter, who is literally responsible for constructing 186 acres of the city. Or John "Bet-a-Million" Gates, whose high-stakes whist and bridge games at the Rookery were the stuff of legends. Or Harriet Papastratakos, who has arranged more than 5,000 marriages--and counting. Each of those characters--and countless others--has helped make Chicago an unrivaled metropolis, truly second to none.

Where else but Chicago can you find a mayor who fired the entire police force--and then watched as the crime rate went down? Where else can a woman literally hog-tie a man into marrying her--and the two live happily ever after? Where else will an arts fanatic stand up before the second act of a Chicago Ballet performance, chant "We're Number One!" and be absolutely right?

As Mark aptly demonstrates, "Chicago is the city that loves to be Number One above all things." And for that reason, it is--and always will be--the heart and soul of America.