The History Of Chicago’s Influence On Literature And Art

By Kyra Mitchell
Author Nelson Algren, right, who has written an introduction to a republication of Ben Hecht’s novel “Erik Dorn,” discusses the book with fellow author, James T. Farrell, at a party in Chicago,Ill., Nov. 21, 1963. At the party the University of Chicago Press launched a major publishing venture called “Chicago in Fiction.“
Author Nelson Algren, right, who has written an introduction to a republication of Ben Hecht's novel "Erik Dorn," discusses the book with fellow author, James T. Farrell, at a party in Chicago,Ill., Nov. 21, 1963. At the party the University of Chicago Press launched a major publishing venture called "Chicago in Fiction." AP Photo/Edward Kitch
Author Nelson Algren, right, who has written an introduction to a republication of Ben Hecht’s novel “Erik Dorn,” discusses the book with fellow author, James T. Farrell, at a party in Chicago,Ill., Nov. 21, 1963. At the party the University of Chicago Press launched a major publishing venture called “Chicago in Fiction.“
Author Nelson Algren, right, who has written an introduction to a republication of Ben Hecht's novel "Erik Dorn," discusses the book with fellow author, James T. Farrell, at a party in Chicago,Ill., Nov. 21, 1963. At the party the University of Chicago Press launched a major publishing venture called "Chicago in Fiction." AP Photo/Edward Kitch

The History Of Chicago’s Influence On Literature And Art

By Kyra Mitchell
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When we think of Chicago’s history, what comes to mind? The birth of Chicago dates back to the 19th century. There was the beginning of industrial trading, The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the memorable “White City,” and the birth of the Hull House. But we may forget the driving point behind knowing these facts presently and that is the literature. Chicago had many known and lesser-known writers and artist who reflected the city at the time and revolutionized many literary forms we know today. 

Morning Shift sits down with Liesl Olson author of the book Chicago Renaissance: Literature and Art In The Midwest Metropolis, which looks into Chicago’s influence on American literature in the nineteenth and mid-twentieth century.