The City in a Garden

John Mark Hansen's book about Hyde Park and Kenwood launches a new imprint for faculty whose interests focus on Chicago.

Professor John Mark Hansen of the Department of Political Science, who regularly serves as docent on Chicago Studies' annual Fall and Spring bike tours, has published a new book entitled The City in a Garden. A Guide to the History of Hyde Park and Kenwood. Professor Hansen and College Dean John Boyer introduced the book at a standing-room-only author event at Seminary Co-op Bookstore on Monday, January 20, 2020.

The College recognizes and encourages its deep connections to our urban environment through the Chicago Studies Program, which helps students to engage and study the life of our city at every stage of their academic careers.  For the last ten years Chicago Studies has published an annual scholarly yearbook with the best undergraduate student papers relating to Chicago and urban affairs more broadly.  As a new initiative in Chicago Studies, the College has now decided to publish a series of companion pieces to assist instructors, students, and staff with interests in Chicago. 

Mark Hansen’s historical guide offers a fascinating introduction to this series.  It captures the rich experiences and lives of the residents of Hyde Park and Kenwood, and embeds their stories in the physical environment, families, social groups and memories of the neighborhood that we call home.

The City in a Garden is available for purchase at the Seminary Co-op Bookstore as well as the University Bookstore.