John Russick

About the Author

John Russick is a distinguished historian and author specializing in the gritty underbelly of American urban history, with a particular focus on the Prohibition-era exploits that defined Chicago's notorious criminal landscape. Drawing from extensive archival research and a passion for uncovering the human stories behind the headlines, Russick brings to life the shadowy figures and seismic events that shaped the Windy City during its most turbulent times. His work not only chronicles the rise and fall of legendary gangsters but also explores the broader social and cultural impacts of organized crime on everyday life. Through meticulous detail and engaging narrative, Russick invites readers to step into the speakeasies, back alleys, and courtrooms of a bygone era, offering fresh insights into one of America's most infamous chapters. A longtime resident of the Midwest, he continues to lecture on historical preservation and true crime narratives.