"Nature's Metropolis" explores the dynamic relationship between Chicago and its surrounding rural hinterland in the 19th century, illustrating how the city served as a pivotal hub in the development of the American West. The book delves into the economic and ecological transformations driven by Chicago's rise, examining how it became a central market and transit point for commodities like lumber, grain, and meat. Through detailed analysis, the work reveals the complex interdependencies between urban and rural environments, showing how the city's growth was intrinsically linked to the exploitation and management of natural resources, ultimately shaping the broader American landscape and economy.

"The Complete Poems of Carl Sandburg" is a comprehensive collection that showcases the full range of Sandburg’s poetic expression. Renowned for his vivid portrayals of American life, industrial landscapes, and the common people, Sandburg's work blends lyrical beauty with social commentary, capturing the essence of the American spirit in the early 20th century. This anthology includes all of his poetry, from the early Chicago poems that celebrate and critique the realities of urban industrial life, to his later works which explore themes of mortality, nature, and love, offering a profound insight into both the poet's evolution and the development of American poetry.