Drawn from the Chicago Tribune's vast archives, A Century of
Progress is a collection of rare--and in many cases, previously
unseen--photographs that document the Century of Progress International
Exposition, the world's fair held in Chicago from 1933 to 1934.
Conceived during the Roaring Twenties and born during the Great
Depression, this sprawling event celebrated the city's centennial with
industrial and scientific displays, lascivious entertainment, and a
touch of unadulterated bad taste.
During this time, more than 48 million visitors flocked to Chicago's
lakefront (the present site of McCormick Place and Northerly Island) to
experience what turned out to be one of the most expansive displays of
technological advancement and cultural diversity that took place in the
20th century. Featuring a fascinating introduction by Tribune reporter
and historian Ron Grossman, this book documents the numerous facets of
the exposition, from whimsical attractions, architectural triumphs, and
scientific achievements to the occasionally insensitive and racist
exhibits of differing cultures.
At a time when the entire U.S. population numbered just over 125 million
people, this world's fair left an indelible mark on the collective
consciousness of American culture, and A Century of Progress captures
that feeling through its historic photographs. These images are
invaluable witness to a civic milestone that forever after was honored
by the fourth star on Chicago's flag.
