An account of the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 relates the stories of two men who shaped the history of the event–architect Daniel H. Burnham, who coordinated its construction, and serial killer Herman Mudgett.
The Devil in the White City
By eriklarson
It takes you back in time and the story was a mix of wonder and horror.
One of the best books I have ever read. History and true crime mingled in an intense page-turner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Larson provides the reader with two major stories in his book – (1) a serial killer in the Chicago area during the (2) building of “White City” for the World’s Fair at turn of the Century. Both stories were engaging, but I loved all the information about the Whire City. So interesting.
If the reader likes learning history via a fascinating book, this is a very good read about one of Chicago’s top architects of the day who extolled the benefits of and built the 1893 Columbia Exhibition in Jackson Park, and the murderer who took advantage of that Exhibition where young women would travel from afar to visit. Excellent book that …
The material should have been interesting but the writing was so boring.
A shivering good time!! I hadn’t heard this story; highly recommending it to friends.
Loved it.
This is an outstanding read coupling suspense with actual history.
Eric Larson just doesn’t miss with his true recountings of historical events.
Preferred “ Issac ‘s Storm”.
As a Chicagoan, I found the references to certain buildings, landmarks, and events was thrilling.
Sad about the murders and my sincere prayers for the family members.
I loved this book. I had a book showing actual pictures of the World’s Fair and it made the book even more interesting.
Enthralling and disturbing.
From a master writer…this book has it all. The building of White City and the connection to the murders of innocent young women. The writing is perfect.
Long book
An amazing account. I love his books, even if they are on the long side. Well worth reading!
Very interesting and creepy as hell! Interesting details on the behind the scene politics of the Worlds Fair in Chicago.
I enjoy reading anything Erik Larsen writes. He weaves a great tale pulled from history and makes it come alive with his characters.
Although it often seems to be slow, it’s giving you the information you need to understand how something so heinous could happen in the middle of a city celebrating the future as well as celebrating (if problematically) other cultures. Underneath that gleaming City (and the reason it was white in the first place), there is a darkness that is only …
The author is a favorite of mine and this book does not disappoint. It is a fascinating true murder story wrapped up with the social changes for young women of the late nineteenth century juxtaposed with the building of the Chicago World’s fair -the White City.