A path breaking reference work that features biographies of more than 400 women who helped build modern day Chicago. 158 photos. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

The title of this massive work, a collaboration between the Chicago Area Women's History Conference and the University of Illinois's Center for Research on Women and Gender, reveals that women have constructed Chicago--socially, educationally, artistically, and even literally as craftswomen. Intended for both educated readers and scholars, the book offers biographies of more than 400 women who made their mark on the city, emphasizing little-known leaders. Its inclusion of Roman Catholic nuns and Protestant female clerics is especially noteworthy. Primary and secondary sources follow the entries, which have numerous cross-references. Besides 140 black-and-white illustrations throughout the text, a separate section reproduces in color works by female Chicago artists. The necessary general index meticulously draws attention to aspects of the lives of major players in Chicago's history (Jane Addams, Ida Wells-Barnett); to institutions (Northwestern University, Women's Christian Temperance Union, Women's City Club of Chicago); and to the World's Fairs, 1893 and 1933-34. Pluses include a long introduction with subdivisions on women's changing position in Chicago history and a roster of 300 contributors that includes the titles of their essays. A register of subjects grouped by year of birth allows readers to search for historical figures in the same age cohorts. This remarkable volume will be a useful counterpart to ECHO (The Encyclopedia of Chicago History Online) . General and academic collections. F. J. Augustyn Jr. Library of Congress From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.