Such a fascinating deep-dive into such an important part of Chicago history and fire prevention! Chicago is near to my heart, and this was such a special read!

I'd love to see this as a picture book from the same author - just skimmed down for little readers!

This is an interesting account of the Great Fire pf Chicago, delivered primarily via a collection of firsthand accounts of the fire and its aftermath.

Though the fire itself is a legendary event in American history, I’m not sure that Chicago is a city whose history appeals to the masses as much as that of other major cities, which makes this book a bit of a tough sell for nonlocal readers.

None of that is the fault of Smith, who does an excellent and thorough job on his history of the fire, delivering a huge breadth of information with touches of humor and the anecdotal touches that are the hallmark of a good storyteller, even when the story is nonfiction.

Mrs O’Leary and her cow remain the most famous characters in the history of the fire, but their nebulous (and possibly completely innocent) role in the fire leaves us without real answers as to how it started. This is one of the more frustrating aspects of reading about this mystery that will never truly be solved.

That means the best of this book is in the details, from firsthand accounts of survivors regarding where they went after being displaced and what they tried to save to the architectural aftermath of such an event.

There are a few slow segments of the book that have more information than we probably need on some aspect of the topic (the aid society chapters seemed to go on endlessly and probably only merited a few pages worth of interest), though I can’t entirely fault an author for what is likely an attempt to be complete and thorough.

In all, I enjoyed Smith’s style and tone and likely would have enjoyed it even more were he writing about a different topic.

I didn't know much about the Great Chicago fire before reading this book. I was really impressed on how detailed it was as to how the fire affected so many lives in so many ways. Now that I am older I am really into our history as a country and like to learn all about the events that changed us, good or bad. This may not have been a war but it was still a turning time in our history and changed many ways we live now and the lives of so many families. It is something everyone should know about and I feel everyone should read this book at some time in there lives.

The historical information was good, and the book was well organized. However, I was put off by the author's attitude toward volunteer fire fighters.

Don’t ask how I developed an interest in Chicago, its Great Fire, and the later World’s Fair, because I won’t have an answer for you. I’ve not even been to Chicago unless you count being at O’Hare Airport for flight transfers. I’ve only seen downtown from the air. It might’ve been the story of an infamous murderer doing his deeds during the 1893 World’s Fair that got me started. From there, I would’ve looked at the event, and then back to the Great Fire 22 years earlier. The Fair was a way to promote Chicago’s grandeur and rebuilding after the fire. It was a phoenix, rising from the ashes. The preface from this recent release about the fire goes as far as stating that, with hindsight, it was a good thing that the city burned.

From that interesting beginning, we then get a brief look at Chicago’s history and the reasons for its growth. As they say in the real estate market, “Location, location, location!” Westward expansion and the improvement of the railroad system meant that Chicago was ideally placed. It was almost a straight shot from New York City, and its proximity to Lake Michigan was also an advantage. Migrants flocked to the city from not only within the United States, but also from countries such as Ireland, Italy, and Poland. The result was a heavy mix of poor and wealthy, along with equally varied constructs of living accommodation. It probably isn’t a surprise that the fire began in one of the poorer parts of the city.

But Chicago’s Great Fire isn’t only a historical guide to the event. Yes, we get a narrative of when the fire started, how the authorities were (or in some cases weren’t) notified of its spread, and how long it lasted. We also get descriptions of the people fleeing, how they took care of their belongings, who went where to escape, and how the citizens looked to recover. Northwestern University Professor Carl Smith makes use of maps, photographs, and lithographs, as well as journal entries and newspaper reports. He analyzes the various relief efforts, looking at how they were organized and the criteria by which they went when releasing funds and other, non-monetary, forms of assistance. We see how the telegraph enabled word of the disaster to spread around the world. Communities in other states and countries sent charitable contributions as a result. There is an extensive look at the rebuilding of the city, and an analysis of how the fire contributed to a migration of wealthier Chicagoans from the city center to newer suburbs. Lastly, there is a section on the much-maligned Catherine O’Leary. Did her cow really kick over a lantern, or was it merely a scapegoat?

When the phrase “great fire” is mentioned to me, my mind immediately turns to the Great Fire of London in 1666. Having read this book, I now feel I know more about the fire of Chicago than of the one in the city of my birth. Professor Smith’s book is a great resource and I found it easy to read. When I finally get to visit the Windy City, this is a book I would consider purchasing and having on my shelf as a reference to this historic event.

Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of the Uncorrected Proof of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, the words and opinions above are my own.

A well researched and documented volume on a seminal event in the life of an American city. Contains a trove of photographs, maps and documents in a single volume that explains how a rapidly growing metropolis rose from the ashes to become one of the Great American cities.

A great historical book, this had lots of information I hadn't previously know. I appreciate the early access.

I am from Chicago, so I was excited to read this book. I am glad I did, too. It was a fabulous accounting of the Great Fire. It is such a detailed writing of this huge event in the history of Chicago. The pictures, along with the maps, are fantastic. It helps to see how huge this was in Chicago. It was very well written and really kept my attention. I loved it. I highly recommend this book!

Having family ties to Chicago I grew up with the usual story about Mrs. O'Leary's cow. What I never knew beyond that has been remedied by this fascinating book. Now I know the kind of life Kate and Patrick O'Leary lived, how their neighbors lived and how the way Chicago was constructed led to it's destruction. This is the way to learn history - from a historian who can write in such a way that the facts come alive. I wish more history came in this form. Looking ahead at my list of birthday and Christmas gifts - I always like to give books - this is going to be on my 'to be given list'.
My thanks to the publisher, Atlantic Monthly Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A well presented book, I knew a bit about Chicago’s great fire from documentaries and self learning, but this book really did teach me a lot I didn’t know, it was well written, it really did keep you interested and included maps and great photographs, cuttings that make the book even more interesting, a fantastic historical guide

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

My great-great grandparents lived in Chicago in the 1870s in the area where the fire started and I've always been interested in its history. This book is fascinating and very informative. It's more than just a recounting of the fire itself. The author explains the political and social attitudes of the city at the time. This gives you a feel for the era and the circumstances that contributed to the fire.

He also covers the period after the fire which brought aid from around the world along with political corruption, power grabs and discrimination against immigrants. Again his descriptions of the forces at work are excellent and provide a unique understanding of the city.

This is an outstanding history of the Chicago Fire and of the city.

Carl Smith has done extensive research to get to know Chicago at the time before/during/after the Great Fire. He even knows the details of where the O'Leary's children were baptized and attended school! Research like this allows me to just read how ALL the facts intermingle at this devastating time in Chicago's history, and not worry if I'm missing facts. If you want the insight on all things Chicago Fire, you have it in this one location.

Smith's writing is clear and concise. He has no ax to grind. He is not trying to influence your opinion as a revisionist author might do. Smith just tells the situation with the understanding of the THAT time in history, just the way it should be presented! Relax while you read, and just be thankful you were not there at that horrendous occasion.

I received an advance copy of, Chicago's Great Fire, by Carl Smith. The Great Chicago fire burned over 3 days in October 1871. This book is a great historical novel, with history of the town, and the people.

Another great Chicago book about the Great Fire! But, it isn't just another book- this one stands head and shoulders above the other half dozen or so that I've read. Well, worth my time!

Enjoyable, informative book

I enjoyed this book. I wasn’t familiar with Chicago when I started the book and I was concerned that I would be spending a lot of time looking things up. I was wrong. There are several maps in the book that helped me along. Along with the maps, were some amazing photographs. In addition, I liked Carl Smith’s conversational writing style, all of which helped make the book a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read. I recommend it for anyone interested in Chicago and/or history.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

The great Chicago Fire is the stuff of legends, beginning with Mrs. O'Leary's cow. This book gives the story of what actually happened. It begins with the wild and rickety built environment of a town that has grown like a weed on the banks of Lake Michigan. Jerry built was a nice term, and the inadequately equipped fire department and limitations of technology didn't help. There were many heros, and a few that tried to profit from the panic of people trying to save themselves and their belongings. After the fire was put out the enormous task of rebuilding a huge part of the city and housing thousands of homeless becomes the priority. Chicago politics and graft are legendary, and this was the case here as well. Backroom deals and political maneuvering for control of the money pouring in from all over the country and even the world would hamper the recovery. But the city did recover and grew bigger, taller and better over the next few decades. Along the way new technologies and construction methods would be developed and fire fighting techniques would be used in future fires that would save lives and property. Lessons were learned and a great American city would rise phoenix-like from the ashes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I love historical non-fiction books and this was an enjoyable read! It is very thorough and well researched and will leave you not simply thinking of Mrs. O'Leary's cow and the unproven belief that this was the source of the fire but also the hysteria immediately after, of the recovery, its' role in fire codes, the profiteers who sought to benefit, and of course the inevitable politics that brought grandstanding.

While not told in a narrative style as some of my favorite historical non-fiction books, this is well structured, moves at an appropriate level of detail, and I appreciated the connections back to today with showing current road names and in the final chapter some details that are still visible today (the entrance to a tunnel under the river as well as architectural details).

So go ahead, grab a copy, and enjoy!


Note: I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley for this review.

A historical gem told with Frank honesty that puts you right into that incredible moment of Chicago history. Here is a story that has never been told so completely and with so much detail. The writing itself is engaging and stays that way, so you don't for one minute think you are reading a boring historical tome. It will keep you turning the pages and caring about the people who went through the tremendous ordeal of The Great Chicago Fire. You need to read this one.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for the Advanced Release Copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am a sucker for non-fiction historical books. I especially have a propensity for books about tragedies and disasters as sad as that is. The research that Carl Smith put into this was extensive.

You receive a great history of the city itself, its socioeconomic history, as well as, an interesting history of Firefighting in America. It also tells the story of the city's resiliency as it rebuilt and the pictures are an added bonus!

This is a well done historical read that any non-fiction junkie should pick up when it comes out in October.

Having parents born in Chicago with many family members and friends still there, I had to request to read this. I knew a little bit about the devastating fire but it was nice to learn more in depth what happened. I ,made many highlights for future reading pertaining to the fire including newspaper articles and scholarly documents, all these were appreciated. I am definitely looking forward to continued reading about this event in Chicago's history.

The book itself? It is all about the details and stories, and there were many. This was a great historical piece of writing and should be read by anyone interested about Chicago and the state of Illinois. I love how the city was described before the fire and all the time and years it took to rebuild the city to the flourishing metropolis it is. It s a story of rebirth and growth after a tragedy. The accompanying pictures throughout the book gave much insight during that time. Glad my kindle has color!

A must read and am excited when this is published because I want a hard cover edition to add to my library. Thanks to Netgalley, Carl Smith and Atlantic Monthly Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 10/16/20