A gentleman asked me what I thought of Chicago’s municipality. I replied, “It is a pocket edition of hell.” He rejoined, “Do you think that description quite fair?” I said at once, “No, I don’t think it is. On second thoughts, I think hell is a pocket edition of Chicago.”—John Burns, Labour MP, 1895
New Newberry Library Seminar!
Join me starting September 10, 2024 for a new three-week online seminar with the Newberry Library that explores the Chicago of 100 years ago, inspired by my ongoing 1924 project with the Chicago Tribune. The seminar is capped by a new in-person walking tour, Chicago 1924: the Year that Made the City! To sign up, go to:
Pocket Guide to Hell is a series of free and interactive public talks, walking tours, and historical reenactments that focus on Chicago’s past.
Produced since 2008, these events treat the past as a public space where all are welcome, have something to contribute, and can take what they need.
To request a walking tour, pitch a project, or join the mailing list, email pocketguidetohell@gmail.com
Paul Durica started Pocket Guide to Hell while a graduate student in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Chicago. He is currently the Director of Exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum. To learn more about Paul, click here.
More about Pocket Guide to Hell
Pocket Guide to Hell has been written about in publications such as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times,The Atlantic Cities, and Vice among others. Paul has appeared on local radio and television and nationally on CBS Sunday Morning,Murderous History, and Mysteries at the Museum.
