The turn of the 20th century was witness to ChicagoÆs growing industrialization and urbanization. While this allowed some to reap its benefits, it took its toll on much of the population. In this program, Beatriz Badikian-Gartler explores ChicagoÆs literary and cultural past. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the 1893 WorldÆs Columbian Exposition, the many architectural innovations of the period, and excerpts from works by such authors as Theodore Dreiser, Upton Sinclair, and others.