When Chicago steel magnate Everett D. Graff walked into Wright Howes’ bookshop on Michigan Avenue in the 1920s he sparked one of the most important friendships in the book world.

We will frame the history of twentieth-century Argentina through the lens of tango, which in many ways encodes the social and political history of the country. The class will provide an introduction to those who want to learn more about the history of Argentina, which, like tango itself, can be bewildering, enigmatic, dramatic, and sometimes violent.

The Prophet Muhammad in Late Medieval Christian Manuscripts

Debra Higgs Strickland, University of Glasgow

Western mysticism begins in antiquity and extends into modern times, reaching in John of the Cross perhaps its clearest, most radiant moment. As Jacques Maritain wrote, in John “everything takes on that straining of earth toward heaven, like the figures in a painting by El Greco.” We will read three of his greatest works—The Ascent of Mt.

We will explore the origins and development of several Chicago parks through a series of walking tours. We will study their evolving landscape designs, goals, and patterns of use, along with their architecture and sculpture.

The Genealogy and Local History staff will introduce novices to the basics of research at an informal orientation. After the session, you are welcome to begin your research. A reference librarian will be available to provide suggestions and assistance. Reservations not required.

We will frame the history of twentieth-century Argentina through the lens of tango, which in many ways encodes the social and political history of the country. The class will provide an introduction to those who want to learn more about the history of Argentina, which, like tango itself, can be bewildering, enigmatic, dramatic, and sometimes violent.

Europe’s Belle Époque, which spanned the late nineteenth century to World War I, was an astonishing moment of creative richness.

Milton and the Idea of the North

Alvin Snider, University of Iowa

Celebrate the centenary of Studs Terkel with writers, activists, reporters, historians, and artists Terkel inspired. Alex Kotlowitz, Alison Cuddy, Penelope Rosemont, Alma Washington (as Lucy Parsons), Steve Mosqueda and Sean Benjamin, David Roediger, and Ed Sadlowski will reflect on how this expansive and generous public figure moved them and shaped their work.

When the Duchess of Northumberland visited Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire in the 1760s, she noted that the Robert Adam library designed for the Curzon family was filled with “‘useful” rather than “curious” books. Her comments conveyed a distinction that would immediately have made sense to any contemporary country gentleman or gentlewoman.

We will explore the origins and development of several Chicago parks through a series of walking tours. We will study their evolving landscape designs, goals, and patterns of use, along with their architecture and sculpture.