"Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul" is a historical non-fiction book written by Karen Abbott. The book, published in 2007, explores the social and cultural history of Chicago in the early 20th century, focusing on the infamous Everleigh Club, one of the most luxurious and well-known brothels in the United States during that time.
The Everleigh Club, run by sisters Ada and Minna Everleigh, was located in the heart of Chicago's vice district and became a symbol of the city's social and moral struggles. The book delves into the lives of the Everleigh sisters, the political and social climate of Chicago in the early 1900s, and the conflicts between reformers seeking to clean up the city and those who profited from its illicit activities.
Karen Abbott combines meticulous historical research with a narrative style that brings the characters and events to life, providing readers with a vivid and engaging portrayal of the era. "Sin in the Second City" not only offers a glimpse into the world of the Everleigh Club but also serves as a window into the broader issues of morality, politics, and societal change in early 20th-century America. The book received positive reviews for its storytelling and historical insights into a fascinating period of American history.
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