GEM OF THE PRAIRIE: An Informal History of the Chicago Underworld

by Herbert Asbury ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 7, 1940

Another panel of American crime, rounding out the national picture to which he has contributed The Barbary Coast, The French Quarter, The Gangs of New York. This is the story of Chicago's wideopen illegalities -- and the often unsuccessful attempts at reform. Madames, whores, pimps -- cutthroats, robbers, murders, gamblers, hoodlums -- present day gangsters and racketeers, -- not a pretty picture, but a colorful one. racily told, liberally splashed with superlatives, with biographies of the outstanding figures, be they politicos, police or criminals. Lusty, bawdy, making Chicago's fame for wickedness thoroughly understandable. Well up to the best of the previous books.

Pub Date: Oct. 7, 1940

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1940

Categories: NONFICTION