999: A History of Chicago in Ten Stories

Chicago native and former CEO Fizdale offers up both a lively history of the Windy City and a somewhat ponderous biography of a condominium at 999 Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. In the first half of this well-researched book%E2%80%94replete with archival photography and illustrations%E2%80%94Fizdale provides an arresting depiction of the formation of Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood and the colorful characters involved in the process. Less interesting, however, is the section of the book devoted to the building at 999 Lake Shore Drive, despite the author's best efforts to imbue its apartments with beguiling notoriety. While the escapades of architect Benjamin Marshall, the avant-garde costume parties of Elizabeth McWilliams, and Muriel McCormick's bizarre marriage are engaging, and the presences of notorious gangster Terry Druggan, influential philanthropist Elizabeth Paepcke, and disgraced auto manufacturer Preston Tucker are noteworthy, the many pages documenting every person who ever lived in the building quickly become tedious. Still, for residents of Chicago, Fizdale's unequivocal affection for his home and city will be contagious.