This is a book I picked up at a rummage sale a few years ago. While I'm not originally from Chicago I enjoyed reading the history of this famed department store because it reminded me of shopping in Cleveland at Higbee's, Sterling Linder's and Halle's when I was a kid. It really brought back the memories of going downtown to shop wearing my little white gloves and patent leather shoes and feeling so grown up.
These stores were amazing and the level of service is something that I wish was practiced today, but unfortunately I think the big box stores and their constant discount prices have changed shopping forever. ( )

Where I got the book: loaned by a friend. I will probably purchase my own copy!

I read this book for the purposes of research, as I needed to find out more about Chicago department stores for something I'm writing. I took copious notes from the first two-thirds of the book and then read through the rest out of interest. The style is lively and extremely easy to read, and there are plenty of interesting illustrations and photos. Even though this book was written in the early 50s it's still pretty useful for the student of Chicago history, and a good starting place for research. ( )