Moran's Dictionary of Chicago and its Vicinity, with Map of Chicago and its Environs: Alphabetically Arranged Dictionary, Comprising all of the Interests that Contribute to Chicago's Greatness

George E Moran

Chicago, 1896

[Interesting Provenance: Cardinal Gibbons' copy] Presentation copy, inscribed by the publisher's George E. Moran to Baltimore's Cardinal Gibbons. Cardinal James Gibbons (1877-1921) was an important American Catholic leader.  He was the second American cardinal and a Baltimore native.  He attended St. Charles College in Ellicott City (this copy includes an early St. Charles bookplate).  Theologian library stamp.  

Bound in publisher's blue leather, with gilt lettering and trim.  All edges gilt. Hardcover. Solid binding. Shelf wear to cover.  Clean, unmarked pages. 310 pp. Lacks the large folding map called for. Numerous ads and photographic plates, showing 19th century Chicago. Hundreds of entries, from abattoirs to zoological park, arranged in dictionary form, with each item running from a few lines to several pages, Included are such categories as: anarchy in Chicago; baseball; beer, boot-blacks; and hack fares ["...the Chicago hack-driver is never content to accept the legal fare until convinced that he will get no more."].