24 Feb through the flames and beyond or chicago as it was and it is by wells & company
February 24, 2026
in Bldg. 51, Events & Announcements, Featured Posts, Miscellaneous, New Acquisitions, New Products, Uncategorized
“on the morning of the 9th of october, 1871, the telegraphic wires flashed to every part of this nation, and to nearly every portion of the civilized world, the shocking intelligence that chicago was in flames, hundreds of lives had been destroyed, and ten thousand families were homeless.”
the lost city: the drama of the fire-fiend. chicago: its past, present, and promising future. an accurate and detailed account of notable events relating to the destruction of chicago and the major fires in the northwest written by frank luzerne and published by wells and company, 1872.
numerous plates featuring artwork engraved by the actinic engraving co., moss process. these represent some of the earliest photo-engravings produced in the united states.
frank luzerne published a definitive historical account of the great chicago fire, entitled “the lost city! drama of the fire-fiend!”.
key details regarding the publication and luzerne’s work include:
primary work: the complete title of the book is the lost city! drama of the fire-fiend! or, chicago, as it was, and as it is! and its glorious future!
historical scope: in addition to documenting the chicago disaster, the volume explores the “terrible fires of the great north-west,” including the simultaneous peshtigo fire in wisconsin and michigan.
visual record: published by wells & company in new york, the first edition is distinguished by its extensive illustrations, featuring maps and early photo-engravings created from onsite photographs.
alternative title: the work is occasionally referred to as through the flames and beyond.
