Product Description

Discover the worldfamous Chicago “L”—in all its grit and glory. The thundering “L” is one of Chicago’s most enduring icons. Operating 247 since 1892, it is not only an antique but a working antique. More than 10 billion people have ridden the “L,” which now carries half a million people a day over 222 miles of track. The heavy, rumbling “L” has a light side too. It is sought out by tourists, featured in major motion pictures, enjoyed by wideeyed kids, photographed by admirers, and studied by historians. Meanwhile, both the Smithsonian Institution and the Chicago History Museum have recently enshrined Chicago “L” cars as the showpiece of major permanent exhibits. The Chicago “L” shows how the early “L” lines helped to build Chicago as well as how today’s “L” helps to revitalize neighborhoods and tie the city together. Over the past 100 years, the “L” has survived numerous attempts to tear it down. Today its future is secure. New services are being added and new lines planned. This educating and entertaining book brings the tenacious “L” to life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #53559 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-04
• Released on: 2007-06-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

About the Author
Greg Borzo, whose first home was a few steps from the “L,” enjoys riding it almost every day and gives history tours of several “L” lines. Formerly the editor of Modern Railroads magazine, he is now a science writer at Chicago’s Field Museum. To tell the story of this celebrated transit system (including a look at its precursors), Borzo draws on some 240 captivating photographs, drawings, and maps. Most of the images were culled from the Chicago Transit Authority’s vast photograph archives; others were gathered from libraries, museums, schools, vendors, and individuals across the country. Ride with him through time over one of America’s greatest urban treasures, this massive 19thcentury structure of riveted steel that serves as one of Chicago’s major circulatory systems, pulsing from the heart of the Loop out into the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs.

Customer Reviews

Great book for the student of public transportation
For anyone interested in the topic of urban public transportation, this book is a must. If you are from Chicago, you have likely ridden the "L" at some point in your life. This book gives you the entire history of the "L"s development and is loaded with great photos and maps. It includes information on all the various "L" lines including those that have been discontinued. Get this while its in print or you will be sorry you missed it.

Great Memories
This book brought back great memories of growing up in Chicago. As a youth, the "el" gave me access to all the wonderful cultural venues Chicago had to offer - the museums, ballparks, etc. The only item I wished the writer would have discussed more about was the Douglas Park line which I rode often. Chicago has a great asset in the "el", having lived in several other large cities with no rapid transit available.

Another Gift For Someone Else . . .
from Chicago who loves trains. That would not be me. I purchased this book for my father-in-law. Hopefully he enjoys the trip down memory lane. Beautiful, clear pictures, but once again, I can't vouch for authenticity or relevance.