Cities with a History - Historical fiction recommendations

[Nari - The Novel World]

One type of book I'm always interesting in reading are books about the history of big cities, and my particular era of choice is anything early pre WW2. One example is Al Capone Does My Shirts, set in San Francisco, mostly Alcatraz island. Its a really good childrens book, but I'm looking for something similar for the adult age range. Any suggestions? I loved Chicago, so any good old-school mafia (Al Capone) books that take place in early 20th Century Chicago, or San Francisco. I'm open to any and all big cities though, not just those two.

[Anne with an E]

Bosses in Lusty Chicago: The Story of Bathhouse John & Hinky Dink
by Lloyd Wendt, Herman Kogan

This is a history of ward politics in Chicago from the Civil War era to the 1930s.

Also Herbert Asbury wrote a book on the prohibition era and another book on gambling.


The Great Illusion: An Informal History of Prohibition
Sucker's Progress : An Informal History of Gambling in America 1938.

[:)]

Well, it's not really about a city, but I loved 3 cups of tea. Its about this guy that builds schools for the poor kids in Pakistan.

[Corinne]

Devil in the White City is about Chicago by Erik Larson is about the Chicago World's Fair and read like a novel, really interesting.

Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher is about a girl in Chicago in the 40s who ends up being a taxi dancer getting involved with jazz and the mob.

[Claudia Ross]

Hi there,

If you enjoy historical fiction, perhaps you will find my novel interesting. I have written a novel set in 19th - 20th century New Orleans, named La Fleur. It is about the ancient soul, La Rose, during her incarnation as Lela Chevalier Roberts. For most of her life, Lela unknowingly wages her centuries old battle against the Adversary for not only her own life, but for the lives of her loved ones as well. In the twilight of her years, Lela realizes herself as La Rose, her eyes open. Understanding that the life of her Vine is at stake, Lela faces her ultimate challenge, to save the heart and soul of her great- grandson, Julian.

If you are interested, you may read the first 10 chapters at the following:

http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=6708

I also have a blog at http://lafleurnovel.blogspot.com

I hope that you like it.

Thanks!
Claudia

[Nari - The Novel World]

Ooh! lots of great ideas! I'm going to start digging through my library catalog and see what I can find.