You Were Never in Chicago

Description

In 1952 the New Yorker published a three-part essay by A.J. Liebling in which he dubbed Chicago the "Second City." From garbage collection to the skyline, nothing escaped Liebling's withering gaze. Among the outraged responses from Chicago residents was one that Liebling described as the apotheosis of such criticism: a postcard that read, simply, "You were never in Chicago."Neil Steinberg has lived in and around Chicago for more than three decades-ever since he left his hometown of Berea, Ohio, to attend Northwestern-yet he remains fascinated by the dynamics captured in Liebling's anecdote. I.;Manus manum lavat -- "God, I am in Chicago" -- "A tolerance for rubes" -- "Give her my regards" -- "Your show of shows" -- "I'll get you a judge" -- In the sleeping room -- "How long is it supposed to last?" -- Annals of the paper tube trade -- "A byutafl day in the palka" -- "You gave the money away?" -- A visit from the angel nacht -- "A lot of broken hearts" -- Driving with Ed McElroy -- "Gee, ya think?" -- The city in fog.