Chicago's Maxwell Street (IL) (Images of America)
by Lori Grove, Laura Kamedulski, The Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition, The Chicago Historical Society

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Book Reviews of Chicago's Maxwell Street (IL) (Images of America)

Book Review: A Must; and Not Just for Chicago History Buffs
Summary: 5 Stars

The authors present a rich and varied collection of images, the culmination of intensive research. The book is obviously a necessity for Chicago history buffs, but will also be of great interest to those with an interest in immigrant and ethnic history, in urban life and the look and feel of cities, in urban policy and Chicago-style politics, blues fans, and fans of grassroots American culture. Friends of Maxwell Street will find much to jog their memories (my favorite images are of blues greats Frank Scott, Johnnie Mae Dunson, and the late, great Jimmie Lee Robinson), but will also make new discoveries. Those of us who were not lucky enough to experience Maxwell Street in all of it's vibrant, grungy glory will get a taste of a world now wiped off the face of the map. And those who have never heard of Maxwell Street will get a vivid introduction to a place of crucial importance in American history. This is a tremendously important, thoroughly researched, and wonderful book.

Summary of Chicago's Maxwell Street (IL) (Images of America)

"Maxwell Street preserved old world culture, whether from the Ukraine, Mexico or Mississippi. A grassroots avenue for survival got created there for immigrants and poor people. Its existence, though old and weary, gives meaning to our daily living and working in Chicago." Studs Terkel, broadcaster, oral historian, & author.

"Maxwell Street became the Ellis Island of the Midwest for 100 years. Other market streets existed, but Maxwell Street was the biggest and brassiest, combining a kaleidoscope of races and religions, of businessmen, hustlers and musicians. It was a national treasure." Ira Berkow, New York Times columnist & author of Maxwell Street: Survival in a Bazaar.

"Maxwell Street was a shopping and amusement center. The guys that played [there] in the 1940s, [myself], Moody Jones, Floyd Jones, Little Walter - we built the road for the blues in Chicago for Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf and all the rest. We were the pioneers of the blues." Jimmie Lee Robinson, Chicago blues musician

Midwest Books

• Books > Subjects > Biographies & Memoirs > Regional U.S.
• History > Americas > United States > State & Local