The Third Coast: When Chicago Built the American Dream

The "Chicago at Midcentury" shopping product is a comprehensive guide to the cultural history of Chicago during the pivotal years between 1945 and 1960.

This book delves into the city's incredible mix of architects, politicians, musicians, writers, entrepreneurs, and actors who helped shape modern America.

From Mies van der Rohe's iconic glass-and-steel architecture to Ray Kroc's revolutionary fast food chain, this product takes readers on a journey through the city's cultural landscape. The book also explores the city's vibrant arts scene, including the works of Nelson Algren, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Studs Terkel in literature, Mahalia Jackson's gospel, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf's urban blues, and Sun Ra's avant-garde jazz.

Additionally, it highlights the city's performance scene, including the intimate Kukla, Fran, and Ollie, the "Chicago School" of television, and the improvisational comedy troupe Second City whose famous alumni are now everywhere in American entertainment. Despite the diversity of culture in Chicago during this time, racial divisions informed virtually every aspect of life in the city.

The book sheds light on the chaos—both constructive and destructive—of this period, setting it into motion.

This comprehensive guide is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the cultural history of Chicago at midcentury and its impact on modern America.