Milwaukee is home to all kinds of writers—novelists and essayists, poets and journalists. But when we think “Milwaukee writer,” it’s impossible not to put John Gurda at the head of the list. More than anyone, he reminds us of our city’s unique and valuable heritage. Gurda became a local history superstar when his book The Making of Milwaukee was adapted by MPTV into an Emmy-winning documentary series. But long before then, Gurda was a master at his craft, balancing scholarship with storytelling and hometown good sense.