A Nice Little Place on the North Side

A History of Triumph, Mostly Defeat, and Incurable Hope at Wrigley Field

By George Will | Publisher: Crown

About the book

The New York Times-bestselling history of America's most beloved baseball stadium, Wrigley Field, and the Cubs’ century-long search for World Series glory

In A Nice Little Place on the North Side, leading columnist George Will returns to baseball with a deeply personal look at his hapless Chicago Cubs and their often beatified home, Wrigley Field, as it enters its second century. Baseball, Will argues, is full of metaphors for life, religion, and happiness, and Wrigley is considered one of its sacred spaces. But what is its true, hyperbole-free history?
 
Winding beautifully like Wrigley’s iconic ivy, Will’s  meditation on “The Friendly Confines” examines both the unforgettable stories that forged the field’s legend and the larger-than-life characters—from Wrigley and Ruth to Veeck, Durocher, and Banks—who brought it glory, heartbreak, and scandal. Drawing upon his trademark knowledge and inimitable sense of humor, Will also explores his childhood connections to the team, the Cubs’ future, and what keeps long-suffering fans rooting for the home team after so many years of futility.

In the end, A Nice Little Place on the North Side is more than just the history of a ballpark. It is the story of Chicago, of baseball, and of America itself.

Editions of A Nice Little Place on the North Side

Hardcover
ISBN 9780385349314
Paperback
ISBN 9780385349338
EBook
ISBN 9780385349321
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780804166188
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780804166195

Read an Excerpt

The New York Times-bestselling history of America's most beloved baseball stadium, Wrigley Field, and the Cubs’ century-long search for World Series glory

In A Nice Little Place on the North Side, leading columnist George Will returns to baseball with a deeply personal look at his hapless Chicago Cubs and their often beatified home, Wrigley Field, as it enters its second century. Baseball, Will argues, is full of metaphors for life, religion, and happiness, and Wrigley is considered one of its sacred spaces. But what is its true, hyperbole-free history?
 
Winding beautifully like Wrigley’s iconic ivy, Will’s  meditation on “The Friendly Confines” examines both the unforgettable stories that forged the field’s legend and the larger-than-life characters—from Wrigley and Ruth to Veeck, Durocher, and Banks—who brought it glory, heartbreak, and scandal. Drawing upon his trademark knowledge and inimitable sense of humor, Will also explores his childhood connections to the team, the Cubs’ future, and what keeps long-suffering fans rooting for the home team after so many years of futility.

In the end, A Nice Little Place on the North Side is more than just the history of a ballpark. It is the story of Chicago, of baseball, and of America itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Nice Little Place on the North Side about?

The New York Times-bestselling history of America's most beloved baseball stadium, Wrigley Field, and the Cubs’ century-long search for World Series glory

In A Nice Little Place on the North Side, leading columnist George Will returns to baseball with a deeply personal look at his hapless Chicago Cubs and their often beatified home, Wrigley Field, as it enters its second century. Baseball, Will argues, is full of metaphors for life, religion, and happiness, and Wrigley is considered one of its sacred spaces. But what is its true, hyperbole-free history?
 
Winding beautifully like Wrigley’s iconic ivy, Will’s  meditation on “The Friendly Confines” examines both the unforgettable stories that forged the field’s legend and the larger-than-life characters—from Wrigley and Ruth to Veeck, Durocher, and Banks—who brought it glory, heartbreak, and scandal. Drawing upon his trademark knowledge and inimitable sense of humor, Will also explores his childhood connections to the team, the Cubs’ future, and what keeps long-suffering fans rooting for the home team after so many years of futility.

In the end, A Nice Little Place on the North Side is more than just the history of a ballpark. It is the story of Chicago, of baseball, and of America itself.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Nice Little Place on the North Side?

Sports and Active outdoor recreation > Ball sports / ball games > Baseball

Where can I read a sample of A Nice Little Place on the North Side?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780385349314

Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Nice Little Place on the North Side?

George Will

Who is the Publisher of the book A Nice Little Place on the North Side?

Crown

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

A Nice Little Place on the North Side is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780385349314) and paperback(ISBN 9780385349338) and ebook(ISBN 9780385349321) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780804166188) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780804166195)

Where can I buy A Nice Little Place on the North Side online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy A Nice Little Place on the North Side?