Chicago River Bridges

McBriarty, a former businessman and consultant, documents the bridges that have spanned the Chicago River (located in the city's downtown area). He reviews 55 bridge locations and lists over 200 bridges built from 1832 to 2012. The introduction provides a history of the use of Chicago's waterways and the history of transportation in the surrounding area. Each bridge location is described with a street address, historical highlights that often include mishaps associated with the bridge, and color and black-and-white photographs or drawings. Details about each structure include the year the bridge was built, its type, design and construction companies, cost, and the bridge's current status (date of removal or still in use). Though this title is described as a "guide book," it's a large hardback art book, which many would find awkward to travel with while visiting the bridges. As a history and reference work, however, it does not disappoint.