Gary Krist, City of Scoundrels author, on writing history

Gary Krist: How To Write History

Gary Krist: How To Write History

Conversations With Fascinating People.
Aug. 25 2012 9:38 AM

Gary Krist: How To Write History

Gary Krist's new book, City of Scoundrels, tells the story of Chicago in July of 1919, when a series of unnerving events—including a blimp crash and a race riot—seemed to put the city on the brink of chaos. I asked Krist how writers turn the messiness of history into a coherent narrative, and whether their mission differs from that of professional historians.

You can watch the whole conversation on BhTV.

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Robert Wright is a senior fellow at the New America Foundation. Follow him on Twitter.