View your shopping cart.

Did you know Chicago is home to absolute scads of wonderful authors? We here at The Book Cellar love supporting local, and here you can find books written by your fellow Chicagoans in addition to titles that'll teach you The Windy City has a richer history than you'd even guess!

Banner Message

Please note that online availability does not reflect stock in store!

Please contact us via email or phone for immediate stock information.

Chicago Books!

400 Story: Chicago & North Western's Premier Passenger Trains

400 Story: Chicago & North Western's Premier Passenger Trains

$29.95
More Info

Three midwestern railroads introduced luxury passenger service in 1935, competing for Chicago-Twin Cities business and leisure travelers. Chicago and North Western's modern, sleek, and fast rail line began with a conventional steam-powered train dubbed the "400" and named after its ambitious schedule: "400 miles in 400 minutes." In 1939, it evolved into an even faster diesel-powered streamlined train, eventually expanding into a fleet of streamliners that served Wisconsin, Minnesota, and upper Michigan.

The 400 Story captures the excitement of this era, tracing the rise and fall of the premier passenger system that made "Twin Cities 400" a household term in the upper Midwest.

Jim Scribbins had a lifetime career at Milwaukee Road and is the author of The Hiawatha Story (Minnesota, 2006) and four other books about upper midwestern railroads. He lives in West Bend, Wisconsin.

48 Hours Chicago

48 Hours Chicago

$7.95
More Info
Short on time? Discover the "Second City" of the United States with this compelling guide to the sights and sounds of Chicago. In spite of the vast geographical scope of the city, you'll feel you have truly explored its unique offerings.
500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago

500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago

$25.00
More Info
Discover Chicago's most wonderful hidden gems in this alternative travel guide, part of the successful 500 Hidden series. Revised and updated edition.

The 500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago reveals 500 off-the-beaten- track places and interesting details for anyone who's keen to explore Chicago's best-kept secrets, e.g. 5 cafés for sitting a spell, 5 iconic merchants, 5 ways to enjoy the Chicago river, 5 unlikely art destinations, 5 historic music spots... and much more.

This second edition is fully revised and updated.

Also available: The 500 Hidden Secrets of New York, The 500 Hidden Secrets of Tokyo, The 500 Hidden Secrets of Miami, The 500 Hidden Secrets of Seattle, The 500 Hidden Secrets of San Francisco, and many more. Discover the series at the500hiddensecrets.com

500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago

500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago

$25.00
More Info
The 500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago reveals 500 off-the-beaten- track places and interesting details for anyone who's keen to explore Chicago's best-kept secrets, e.g. 5 cafés for sitting a spell, 5 iconic merchants, 5 ways to enjoy the Chicago river, 5 unlikely art destinations, 5 historic music spots... and much more.
500 Stickers Chicago

500 Stickers Chicago

$10.99
More Info

If you are looking for a book with more Chicago stickers than this one, stop searching. This is your book!

This is the ultimate, most complete, and most awesome book of stickers for fans of the Windy City. If you are a Chicagoan, this book is for you. If you are visiting Chicago, this book is for you. And if you dream of Chicago, this book is totally for you.

With 500 reusable stickers, this is the Willis Tower of sticker books, featuring all that makes Chi-Town so special, from buildings and famous landmarks like the Bean, to zoo animals and city pigeons, to the best deep-dish pizza on the planet.

Use them on your phone, notebook, or water bottle or to create your own work of art; these reusable, easy-to-peel stickers are all yours to enjoy!

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Chicago

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Chicago

$21.95
More Info
Get outdoors with the guide to 60 of the best hikes within 60 miles of Chicago, leading you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings.
60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago

$17.95
More Info
In addition to Chicago's numerous cultural and athletic activities, there are many excellent opportunities to explore Mother Nature's bounty. From the dunes of Lake Michigan to the hills and lakes of the northwest to the prairies of the south, hikers will find a trail to their liking in this updated edition of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Chicago.

Hikes were chosen for their scenic appeal, but they were also chosen for their historic attractions. The extensive key-at-a-glance information makes it a snap to choose a hike based on length, difficulty, and scenery. Helpful lists highlight the best hikes for children, for wildlife viewing, and other categories.

Whether a long-time Chicago resident or vacationer to the area, this updated guide will make choosing the right hike easy and enjoyable.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago

$16.95
More Info
Focusing on the Chicago area's urban and rural areas and everything in between, this book features classic hikes at such lovely spots as Starved Rock State Park, as well as gems like the LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area in northwestern Indiana. Extensive key-at-a-glance information makes it a snap to choose a hike based on length, difficulty, and scenery. Helpful lists highlight the best hikes for children, for wildlife viewing, and other categories. This edition includes five new hikes.
60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Chicago, Including Aurora, Elgin and Joliet

60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Chicago, Including Aurora, Elgin and Joliet

$16.95
More Info
Chicago residents grab your boots and get outside! Using clear and entertaining narrative, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Chicago eliminates doubts about where to hike and what to expect when you get to the trailhead. To locate and assess the best hikes within a 60-mile radius of the Chicago area, this guide is indispensable. 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Chicago blows the lid off the myth that you can't have a great trek close to home. The Windy City may be an ever-expanding metropolis, but there are still plenty of thrilling hiking options. Choose among short and long hikes, hikes for children, hikes for dogs, hikes for birding, for wildflowers and for waterfalls, historic and scenic hikes, and many others.
85 Bears

85 Bears

$19.95
More Info
The ultimate record of a great franchise's greatest season as told by none other than Da Coach himself In Ditka's own words, this 30th anniversary volume of The '85 Bears is packed with special features that make it the ultimate must-have treasure for every Bears fan. This updated edition features the authors' reflections on the incredible championship season as well as recaps and statistics for every regular- and post-season game, bringing the entire 1985 campaign to life. Interviews with fan favorites--from the Fridge to Buddy Ryan--as well as special commentary from Gary Fencik offer extra insight into the team's Super Bowl run. Capping off a truly memorable volume is a bonus audio CD that features an exclusive interview with Mike Ditka, providing even more memories from a truly golden era of Chicago football.
999 : A History of Chicago in Ten Stories

999 : A History of Chicago in Ten Stories

$79.95
More Info
The story of 999 is the story of Chicago at one of the most pivotal and explosive moments in its history. Set along the city's storied lakefront, the author details the wealth, greed, power, corruption and even murder that accompanied the rise of arguably the most beautiful and historic residence ever built in Chicago. It sits on land that at one time was mostly under water, the site of a war over ownership that raged in courtrooms for 68 years. This is also the story of the building's residents--a range of personalities, passions, flaws and accomplishments--that will have you marveling at 999's broad engagement with American History.
A.V.I. Warshawski: Body Work

A.V.I. Warshawski: Body Work

$26.95
More Info
The audacious new V. I. Warshawski novel from the "New York Times"-bestselling author


"Doctors take days off--why not PIs?" V.I. Warshawski demands. But when America's hardest-working private eye goes clubbing, a stranger is shot and dies in her arms.
V.I. has been visiting Club Gouge, Chicago's edgiest nightspot, where a woman known as the Body Artist turns her naked body into a canvas for the audience to paint on.
The show attracts all kinds of people, from a menacing off-duty cop to Ukrainian mobsters and Iraq war vets--and V.I.'s impetuous cousin, Petra. A tormented young painter shows up, too, and the intricate designs she creates on the Body Artist drives on of the vets into a violent rage.
When the painter is shot, the cops figure it's an easy collar--PTSD vet goes off the rails, stalks then kills young woman. But the vet's family hires V.I. to clear his name, and the detective uncovers a chain of ugly truths that stretch all the way from Iraq to Chicago's South Side.

ABC in Chicago

ABC in Chicago

$9.95
More Info
Suitable for ages birth & upwards, this picture book presents photographs with simple captions and takes objects large and small, common to cities and unique to Chicago.
ABCs of Chicago

ABCs of Chicago

$12.99
More Info

Show your little one that home is where the heart is this Easter in this charming alphabet board book from Sandra Magsamen, USA Today bestselling author of Welcome Little One.

There's no place like home! In this heartwarming ABC adventure, babies and toddlers will experience how wonderful it is to explore Chicago, from Navy Pier to Grant Park. Filled with Magsamen's sweet illustrations and touching rhymes perfect for bedtime read alouds, ABCs of Chicago teaches important alphabet learning while inspiring toddlers ages 0-3 with love for their hometown and what makes it unique. Children and parents alike will be delighted to see their favorite landmarks and landscapes in a book that is not only educational but speaks to the heart. Because from A to Z, Chicago is an amazing place to be!

A wonderful gift for new parents, baby showers, birthdays, family vacations, Easter baskets, holiday stocking stuffer, Valentine's Day book, or for simply sharing a heartfelt moment with your little one!

A is for the awesome Segway tours on the Magnificent Mile.

B is for the Bulls who light up the court with flair and style!

C is for the Chicago Cubs and White Sox where so many amazing memories are made.

D is for the Montrose dog beach for dogs to promenade.

Above and Across Chicago

Above and Across Chicago

$45.00
More Info
Above and Across Chicago captures the stunning beauty of Chicago as seen from the sky. Showcasing the city's diverse architecture, iconic shoreline, bustling streets, and natural scenery, the images capture Chicago's unique personality and charm. Multiple photographers have contributed their unique perspectives to create a contemporary portrayal of the Windy City, captured in all weather conditions--rain, fog, snow, and sun. Through a series of breathtaking images, readers are invited to explore the city's iconic landmarks, including Willis Tower, the Hancock Building, and Navy Pier, as well as lesser-known corners of the city that are equally captivating. Above and Across Chicago features stunning aerial shots that offer a bird's-eye view of the city, capturing its vast expanse and urban landscape in an entirely new light. With its striking visuals and thoughtful commentary, this photography book is a must-have for anyone who loves Chicago or wants to experience its beauty from a new perspective. Featured photographers include: Adam Pearson, Alberto Santiago, Alex Sheyn, Cocu Liu, Daniel Moreno, Daniel Schindler, David Sowa, Dominika Brzykcy, Jason Lumsden, Kwe Bentum, Lichao Liu, Max Leitner, Nick Crawford, Sonja Weiss, Terry Maday.
Above Chicago

Above Chicago

$29.50
More Info
The newest Above volume tells the story of Chicago from the Loop to the Stockyards, from its incomparable golf courses to the tallest pinnacles in the world. Here is the most exciting architectural display of all time, the famed boulevards, the sports town, the beaches and the backwaters viewed as never before.

ACM: Another Chicago Magazine Issue 50: The Chicago Issue Vol I

$12.00
More Info
Acting in Chicago

Acting in Chicago

$24.95
More Info