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
This is a terrific history and murder mystery in one. It really sets the scene with attention to historical accuracy. Fortunately it also moves at a quick pace. The author is skilled and engaging. Really a classic of the genre.
My favorite book!
Erik Larson is the master of documented historic literature. H.H. Holmes was REAL–scary thought!
History, mystery, intrigue. Be prepared, this one might keep you up all night reading. Highly recommend.
Read it twice Good book
Wonderful account of a real historical event.
The two parallel stories within were expertly done!
A wonderful merging of the world’s Fair and a diabolical murderer.
Good read
Found this book to read like fiction when true. Eric Larson is wonderful at that. It gave me a good understanding of the marvel of building the Chicago World Fair but also the horrible evil of a mass murderer. Still makes me shudder.
Two intertwined stories but both stand on their own. I was confident that I would enjoy this intriguing device as it often goes off the rails; I loved this book
I was vaguely familiar with bits of this piece of Chicago history but I learned a lot in a painless manner by reading this book.
I truly enjoyed learning about real events surrounding the Chicago World’s Fair in the 1890’s. The main story about the crimes being committed just outside the fair was something I didn’t know about at the time, but the information about the country, the city, the politics and competition to find entertaining people and acts from around the world …
Fascinating true account of a serial killer & the interesting story of the Chicago World’s Fair.
True story of Chicago when the World’s Fair was held there. So interesting, and entertaining.
It’s been years since I read this book & while I can’t remember details, I can tell you that I have never forgotten it. The descriptions of the preparations for the World’s Fair interspersed with the wicked behavior of H.H.Holmes are fascinating! I learned so much about my hometown! I found it to be a most remarkable & entertaining page-turner …
Larson does it again, spinning a story from highly researched documents to bring an hsitorical event to life. the expo in chicago itself was fascinating in how it came together and the sotry of the seriel killer hiding in plain sight right there was very scary. kept me on the edge of my seat.
Fascinating story of Chicago; excellent blending of mystery and history. Fine writing.
One of his many great reads
Wonderful history.