History of Chicago from the Earliest Period to the Present Time [3 Vols]

Chicago: A.T. Andreas, Publisher, 1884. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Complete in three volumes. Very Good. Rebound with a half-leather binding, rubbed at the edges, joints, and corners. Front hinge of Vol. I cracked, otherwise square and firmly bound with gilt top edges, former owner's name and address on the front endpapers, clean otherwise. Andreas's wide-ranging history of the city, a collection of facts, andectodes, biographical sketches, and maps. According to an article from the Chicago Public Library, "It is almost impossible to discuss Chicago history without mentioning A.T. Andreas' 1884 History of Chicago." This copy belonged to Howard Van Sinderen Tracy, former president of Chicago's Citizens Association. In this role, he successfully lobbied for new street signs in the city and successfully fought against a campaign to comercialize the lake front. He also helped found what would become the Better Business Bureau and served as the director of the Chicago Crime Commission.