The history of Jews in Chicago is a fascinating, complex and largely unknown story. Now, for the first time, this material has been distilled into a single volume, chronicling events and people from the late nineteenth century to the end of World War II. There are six broad themes, each of which includes several essays: the first is 'Chicago Jews and the Secular City: Builders, Movers, Shakers', discussing HL Meites' huge 1924 history of Chicago Jews; financier Lazarus Silverman; the University of Chicago Centennial; Jewish participation in the World's Columbian Exposition; Julius Rosenwald and the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Jewish Day Pageant at the Century of Progress in 1933. The other five themes are: Chicago Jews and Anti-Semitism: Tragedy Abroad -- Challenges at Home; Chicago Jews and Zionism: Local Idealists; Chicago Jews and Zionism: Renowned Visitors; Chicago Jews and the Arts: The Page and the Stage; and, Chicago Jews on Both Sides of the Law: Colourful Characters. Anyone interested in Chicago history, ethnic history, Jewish history, will find Looking Backward a fascinating and informative read.