Three new books offer great gift possibilities

It’s the time of year when everyone is trying to figure out the perfect, unique gift. Tomorrow, December 11, photo editors Robin Daughtridge, Michael Zajakowski, Erin Mystkowski and Marianne Mather will join Chicago Tribune deputy metro editor Marc Jacob for a panel about three new books:  Gangsters & Grifters, Capone and Chicago Portraits. For the photography fan, Chicago historian or book lover, these are gifts to give.

Gangsters & Grifters and Capone include many rare and never-before-seen photos of Chicago’s early days when organized crime ruled the city. Chicago Portraits is a look at 100 years of Chicagoans and tourists.

The panel will discuss how they decided which photos made the book and which were left for future publications. They will also discuss documenting life in Chicago today through photographs.

After the panel discussion, the speakers will autograph books. There are lots of things you can put under a Christmas tree, but an autographed book is truly a personalized gift. The event takes place at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square at 7:00 p.m. It’s a great Christmas surprise for the hard-to-buy person on your list -- a fascinating panel and new books.