In 1893 Chicago hosted the World's Colombian Exposition which introduced us to the Ferris Wheel, Cracker Jacks, neon lights, Juicy Fruit gum, moving pictures, the zipper, and Pabst Blue Ribbon-among many others. The unprecedented architectural grandeur of the Fair's "White City" became the inspiration for L. Frank Baum's Emerald City as well as Walt Disney's Disneyland.
The Devil in the White City is the story of the architects' struggle and magical journey to build what at the time was known as the greatest fair in history, while at the same time creating the perfect environment for one of America's first and most chilling serial killers.
Larson expertly shows us the beauty and magic of the fair while painting a portrait of H.H. Holmes- a man who built "The World's Fair Hotel" for the purpose of wooing and killing women. In seeing the impossible charm it took for Holmes to continuously get away with murder and fraud, we see someone who laid the path for the serial killers of the 20th century.
Erik Larson is smart to open this book with a disclaimer saying that as truly extraordinary and unbelievable as the events in the book may seem- it is all true. It made these already rich stories more magical and chilling in their own rite.
The Devil in the White City is the story of the architects' struggle and magical journey to build what at the time was known as the greatest fair in history, while at the same time creating the perfect environment for one of America's first and most chilling serial killers.
Larson expertly shows us the beauty and magic of the fair while painting a portrait of H.H. Holmes- a man who built "The World's Fair Hotel" for the purpose of wooing and killing women. In seeing the impossible charm it took for Holmes to continuously get away with murder and fraud, we see someone who laid the path for the serial killers of the 20th century.
Erik Larson is smart to open this book with a disclaimer saying that as truly extraordinary and unbelievable as the events in the book may seem- it is all true. It made these already rich stories more magical and chilling in their own rite.
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*2003 National Book Award Finalist Non-Fiction
*2004 Edgar Award Winner Best Fact Crime
*AV Club, Best Books of the '00s
*AV Club, Best Books of the '00s
Oh my gosh, I really want to read this book. When I was in Chicago, a tour guide mentioned it! Now that I know you like it I am sure I will too ;)
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