Joseph Epstein reviews Karen Abbott’s new book, Sin in the Second City, about the Everleigh Club , one of the best known Chicago cathouses of the early 20th century:

The characters of Minna and Ada Everleigh and their thoughtful way of going about their business are intricately delineated by Ms. Abbott, who, I think it fair to say, views them affectionately and with measured admiration. But her book is ultimately a saga of a clash between the forces of vice and those of reform in the city of Chicago. In this battle, reform has right but absolutely no humor on its side — right, that is, if one assumes that human weakness is easily eradicated through the changing of institutions. (more. . .)

It’s on the reading pile – Cassandra gave this to me for my birthday.

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