—Midwest Book Review, "Reviewer’s Choice," Vol. 22 No. 4, 2000

"Hucke and Bielski serve as knowledgeable and respectful tour guides for some of the most impressively landscaped, richly historical acres within and adjacent to the city's urban sprawl. It’s a field trip through bold headlines and unsung achievements represented by a carved catalog of famous—and infamous (at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, mob boss Sam Giancana's mausoleum is padlocked)—names. . . . Hucke and Bielski devote much-deserved attention to the artistic aspect of grave markers and cemetery architecture across a span of more than a century's worth of changing styles. Additional highlights: more unusual burials (attorney Clarence Darrow's ashes scattered in Jackson Park; musician Steve Goodman’s cremains under home plate in his beloved Wrigley Field); a nod to necropolises in outlying areas, and a partial directory of Chicagoland cemeteries. This unusual guide is unusually enlightening on many levels fundamental to Chicago's identity."

—Jean Kozlowski, Cricket in the Corner, April 2004

"As you read the book, you cannot help but realize that not only are you reading about these places, you are also learning about Chicago's history and culture. The authors encourage readers to go out and see the sites for themselves. Hucke and Bielski also fill the readers in on the truth behind the fiction."

—Jorge Ruiz, The Courier, "Digging Up Chicago's History," February 16, 2000

"This book is sort of a cemetery bible for all who live within the Chicagoland area and have often wondered about where their dearly departed are being put to rest. . . . Hucke and Bielski demonstrate through this book that Chicago's cemeteries are much more than a resting place for the dead. . . . This book will encourage the public to come out and see these extravagant works of art on their own. These are sites that are meant to be shared and cherished by all for years to come."

—Lisa Gulotta-Gordon, Barfly, "Authors reveal many hidden gems behind cemetery gates,"

Halloween 2000

"Graveyards of Chicago is a wonderful verbal tour of 70 cemeteries (and 7 other burial sites) along with information on some of the famous people buried there. . . . A fascinating book to read, even if you have no ancestors buried in Chicago."

—Joan Griffis, The News-Gazette, Illinois Ancestors column, "Many famous people buried in Chicago cemeteries," July 15, 2005

"Finding someone to visit cemeteries with you is almost as difficult as finding someone to share an anchovy pizza. But graveyards can be fascinating places, as Hucke and Bielski know well. Bielski, an authority on haunted houses in Chicago, and Hucke, whose website, www.graveyards.com, offers his photographs of monuments, have teamed up to offer this guide to Cook County cemeteries. . ."

—Augustine J. Curley, Reviewers Consortium (Newark, NJ)

"This well-written and informative book is a must-have for anyone who is interested in Chicago history, cemeteries, or architecture. I read it cover to cover and often refer back to it for various reasons. From the grave of Al Capone to the graves of lesser-known Chicagoans, this book seems to cover it all. Great photos, fascinating stories!"

—A reader, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Fabulous, Handy Book!" May 18, 2003

"Well written, well priced, and the skill of the photography is quite amazing. For anyone who appreciates the beauty and tranquility of cemeteries, this is a must have."

—Cindy S. Parent, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Beautiful . . . ," January 2000

"I received this as a gift and once I started reading I couldn't put it down. The photos are interesting as well. Great book. I highly recommend it."

—A reader, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Extremely interesting . . . I zipped right through it," April 28, 2000

"What an interesting bit of, usually ignored, Chicago history. . . . Very interesting from an architectural standpoint as well."

—A reader, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "I never knew . . . ," August 12, 2000

"Informative and to the point! . . . Great for us 'dark' people and anyone else interested in cemetery analysis!"

—A reader, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, “Awesome!”, September 15, 2002

Also in Print

Chicago Sun-Times, "Writing duo has grave concerns to report," Carlos Sadovi, October 30, 1999
Chicago Tribune, Books, "From the Precincts: Local booksellers tell us what Chicago is buying this 

       week," December 26, 1999
Chicago Tribune Magazine, Sidewalks, "Grave matters," Rick Kogan, July 23, 2000
Lerner News-Star, "Local publisher taps into city spirits," Sara Burrows, October 27, 1999

Web Awards for Matt Hucke’s www.graveyards.com

The WWW Post-Mortem Page Award: Highest Rating
GothicTomb.com's Golden Tomb Award
Lycos Top 5%

For press kits and review copies of all Lake Claremont Press titles,

and for information on media interviews, bookstore/library programs, and other events,

contact Elizabeth Sattelberger at 312/226-8400 or elizabeth@lakeclaremont.com.