Rating: 
Summary: Disjoined and disappointing
Review: I was not impressed with this book. The glowing reviews are a mystery to me. Miller seemed to begin one train of thought jump to another and back again. The lack of organization was overwhelming. The dry, unexpressive writing was disappointing. As a text this is muddled, as "engrosing non-fiction" utterly lacking. Furthermore, this book was extremely long. The length is not necessarily a negative in itself, but it is when it seems that nothing of substance is being said. The length of this book can be attributed to the constant reiteration and the poor organization. Pure facts are as difficult to weed out as it is to understand the structure. Very disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: Disjoined and disappointing
Review: I was not impressed with this book. The glowing reviews are a mystery to me. Miller seemed to begin one train of thought jump to another and back again. The lack of organization was overwhelming. The dry, unexpressive writing was disappointing. As a text this is muddled, as "engrosing non-fiction" utterly lacking. Furthermore, this book was extremely long. The length is not necessarily a negative in itself, but it is when it seems that nothing of substance is being said. The length of this book can be attributed to the constant reiteration and the poor organization. Pure facts are as difficult to weed out as it is to understand the structure. Very disappointing.
Rating: 
Summary: Memoirs from the Midway
Review: Miller succeeds in making a vast sweeping history of nineteenth century Chicago an engrossing and captivating read for even the casual historian, by telling Chicago's story through an intricate web of individual stories. By doing so, he reminds the reader that it is impossible to separate history from the individuals responsible, and that a truly inspired phenomenal development - like nineteenth century Chicago - is no accident.Throughout the book Miller echoes Frederick Jackson Turner's thesis that the West is most emblematic of American ideals, values, and attitudes. At the periphery of Miller's stories about Chicago, one can see the United States itself grow and change. Miller's engaging style makes this history a must read for anyone interested in Chicago and 19th century America, and a wonderful surprise for anyone with a taste for real stories about the human will to succeed.
Rating:
Summary: Must-Read for any Chicago collector
Review: This book presents Chicago's nineteenth century history with great clarity. It's the kind of read that stays with you. Chicago's history is surprisingly recent,and the people involved in the growth and flourishing of this city have been shown in Miller's book in a way that brings these people alive. As a lifelong Chicago resident, I feel I know my city much better thanks to this excellent, fast-paced book. I now know where the Chicago Fire burned, where buildings long gone used to stand, etc. It is fascinating for anyone who wants to understand Chicago better. PS -- I wish Miller would do one of the twentieth century Chicago.
Rating:
Summary: Must-Read for any Chicago collector
Review: This book presents Chicago's nineteenth century history with great clarity. It's the kind of read that stays with you. Chicago's history is surprisingly recent,and the people involved in the growth and flourishing of this city have been shown in Miller's book in a way that brings these people alive. As a lifelong Chicago resident, I feel I know my city much better thanks to this excellent, fast-paced book. I now know where the Chicago Fire burned, where buildings long gone used to stand, etc. It is fascinating for anyone who wants to understand Chicago better. PS -- I wish Miller would do one of the twentieth century Chicago.
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