Chicago in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was second only to New York as a centre of both thoroughbred racing and off-track gambling. This book shines a light on its fascinating, complicated history, exploring the role of political influence and class; the business of racing; and its cultural and social significance.
FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand NewChicago may seem a surprising choice for studying thoroughbred racing, especially since it was originally a famous harness racing town and did not get heavily into thoroughbred racing until the 1880s. However, Chicago in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was second only to New York as a center of both thoroughbred racing and off-track gambling. Horse Racing the Chicago Way shines a light on this fascinating, complicated history, exploring the role of political influence and class in the rise and fall of thoroughbred racing; the business of racing; the cultural and social significance of racing; and the impact widespread opposition to gambling in Illinois had on the sport. Riess also draws attention to the nexus that existed between horse racing, politics, and syndicate crime, as well as the emergence of neighborhood bookmaking, and the role of the national racing wire in Chicago. Taking readers from the grandstands of Chicago's finest tracks to the underworld of crime syndicates and downtown poolrooms, Riess brings to life this understudied era of sports history.
Steven A. Riess is emeritus professor and former Bernard Brommel Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of History at Northeastern Illinois University. He is the author of several books, including The Sport of Kings and the Kings of Crime: Horse Racing, Politics, and Organized Crime in New York, 1865-1913, runner up for the best book in non-fiction for the Society of Midland Authors.
Horse Racing in Chicago is an encyclopedic work that will be enjoyed by any and all who have an interest in horse racing, Chicago history, and the biographies of the colorful characters involved in either furthering or lessening its impact on society.-- "Sport Literature Association"
We learn about big city politics, about social class and the rich, and about gambling and corruption. Horse Racing the Chicago Way gives us an unusually close look at the ties that bound sports, politicians, and the track together.-- "Elliott Gorn, Loyola University, Chicago"
Chronicles the extraordinary rise and fall of thoroughbred racing, the most popular American sport in late nineteenth-century Chicago.
We learn about big city politics, about social class and the rich, and about gambling and corruption. Horse Racing the Chicago Way gives us an unusually close look at the ties that bound sports, politicians, and the track together.
Chronicles the extraordinary rise and fall of thoroughbred racing, the most popular American sport in late nineteenth-century Chicago.
Explains the reasons for the enormous popularity of thoroughbred racing.
Explains the reasons for the enormous popularity of thoroughbred racing.
At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love!