thieves were hung and brained: an unusually and graphic account of the great chicago fire of 1871

the bldg. 51 museum recently acquired two unusual chicago fire books (published, 1872) featuring a collection of gruesome accounts collected by writer and publisher george l. barclay. graphic lithographs including children being burned alive, criminals hung and "brained," and buildings being purposely detonated (often still occupied by families) in a desperate attempt to contain the fire. the booklets are some of the more graphic pieces of ephemera housed in the bldg. 51 museum great chicago fire archive.  a glimpse of the books (both versions), including several lithographs, is offered below. 

earlier booklet:

recently acquired booklet:

all images courtesy of the bldg. 51 museum archive and eric j. nordstrom. all rights reserved. 2021.