In this captivating work of history, Alvin Howard Sanders explores the ways in which the achievements of the past continue to shape the present. Through a series of entertaining anecdotes and incisive observations, Sanders sheds light on the curious connections between seemingly unrelated events and places, connecting the stock yards of Chicago with the great achievements of the past and illuminating the links between art, history and memory. Combining meticulous research with a light touch, this is a book that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the fascinating stories that lie beneath the surface of our world. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.