City of the Century

In "City of the Century," Donald Miller chronicles the transformation of Chicago from a humble fur-trading post in the 1830s to a vibrant, sprawling metropolis by 1900. The narrative captures the city's tumultuous journey, including its spectacular growth, natural disasters like the Great Fire of 1871, and its dynamic cultural and political landscape. With a focus on its innovative architecture and engineering feats, Miller delves into the ongoing tension between order and freedom, reflecting on the lessons Chicago offers for modern urban development.