In the late nineteenth century, Chicago'the birthplace of modern architecture in the United States'was a magnet for aspiring architects. The city was growing rapidly, and the seemingly endless demand for taller and more sophisticated buildings offered young draftsmen an unprecedented opportunity to influence the design of the American skyscraper. The Chicago Architectural Club: Prelude to the Modern tells the story of these draftsmen and the organization they founded with the humblest of goals'to improve their drawing skills at a time when formal architectural training was not readily available. Wilbert R. Hasbrouck documents the personalities and politics of this impressive group, offering an in-depth look at the lesser-known men often largely responsible for the designs credited to their more famous employers. This comprehensive volume includes hundreds of drawings and photographs depicting a wide range of the buildings that laid the groundwork for a uniquely American modern architecture.