 "Chicago
Confidential"
by Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer
Dell, 1950
Chicago, as the song
goes, is my kind of town. And Chicago Confidential is my
kind of book! This, without a doubt, is one of the best books that can
be found on the book shelf. I've had a hard-bound edition of this for ages,
but just recently came across the paperback copy and the cover art, front
and back, was well worth the hunt. (This book is from the same authors
who brought you New York Confidential
and Washington Confidential...so these boys know there stuff.)
This book shows the Windy City after dark, with the names of doormen who'll
let you into the best clubs, the addresses of those clubs, and how to walk
the walk and talk the talk the Chicago way. Chicago Confidential
covers all the spots a wolf on the prowl needs to visit, from the Loop,
to Maxwell Street, to Michigan Ave., and the South Side. Not only does
Chicago
Confidential give you tips about dealing with the big city in the
current day, but it also tells you tales of the Capone days when a tommy
gun did your talking for you. Overall, the best part of the book is its
helpful appendix which includes such topics as "Backstage Phone Numbers,"
"Gustatory Guide," "Bare Babes," Illinois Sex Laws," and "Loop Lexicon."
Whatever you do, don't visit the "City with Big Shoulders" without this
as your travel companion.
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