The Chicago World Fair was the greatest fair in American history. This is the story of the men and women whose lives it irrevocably changed and of two men in particular- an architect and a serial killer. The architect is Daniel Burnham, a man of great integrity and depth. It was his vision of the fair that attracted the best minds and talents of the day. The killer is Henry H. Holmes. Intelligent as well as handsome and charming, Holmes opened a boarding house which he advertised as 'The World's Fair Hotel' Here in the ...
Read More
The Chicago World Fair was the greatest fair in American history. This is the story of the men and women whose lives it irrevocably changed and of two men in particular- an architect and a serial killer. The architect is Daniel Burnham, a man of great integrity and depth. It was his vision of the fair that attracted the best minds and talents of the day. The killer is Henry H. Holmes. Intelligent as well as handsome and charming, Holmes opened a boarding house which he advertised as 'The World's Fair Hotel' Here in the neighbourhood where he was once looked up to by all, he seduced, tortured and murdered young women, incinerating them in the furnace he had built in the basement of his hotel. Salting the narrative are the sad, charming, and funny stories of a supporting cast of other real-life characters including Buffalo Bill, Scott Joplin, Theodore Dreiser and George Ferris, the Pittsburg steel tycoon whose mammoth wheel becomes America's answer to the Eiffel Tower. The interweaving and the juxtaposition of the two men's different 'missions' - one good and one evil - provides the core to a non-fiction suspense drama of the highest order.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness to cart. $46.65, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Doubleday.
This is a fantastic work of historical non-fiction. Erik Larson's write style reads like fiction due to his in depth research into his subjects. This book is a tale of victory against almost insurmountable odds. It focuses on the design, building and presentation of the Chicago World's Fair. The book also tells the chilling story of a ins... ane serial killer who just might be the devil himself. The juxtaposition of the two main characters, Frank Burnham and Mr. Holmes, is both intriguing and chilling at the same time. Do yourself a favor and pick up this little glimpse of forgotten history. You'll be happy you did.
Read more
weneedrain
Jan 19, 2012
wonderful history of the fair
the epilogue is most interesting as it follows up with the persons who built the fairl Look up World Fairs List and you will see the impact that the succeeding fairs have had.Very well written. There is a photographic book that is separate and it would be good to have that book as you read this one.Lots to think about
Sav123
Dec 30, 2009
An Amazing Experience
It's ironic that I can't find the words to fully describe how amazing this book is. It's a tour de force of literature.
It carefully weaves the story of the 1983 World's Fair (where pretty much everything ever and everyone ever came together in Chicago) and the diabolical HH Holmes.
I expected the story of HH Holmes to be w... ildly more interesting than building some dumb fair. I was so wrong. These historical figures come to life in such a way that when you finish the last page, I hope you don't have any heart conditions and you're sitting down. This book is like a punch in the gut.
HH Holmes is the most believable, well rounded villain I've ever encountered. You're almost suckered in by his charm, even after you know his secrets. The fair quickly becomes your own labor of love. You watch as this Americans try to compete with the Eiffel tower - and what they come up with was shocking.
This book is fantastic. If you're still thinking to yourself "well, maybe..." no. Buy it. If you're looking for a gift for anyone, buy it. Trust me.
Read more
cjr3503
Apr 12, 2009
Fascinating Historical Storytelling
The story of how America's most prolific serial killer used the nations greatest engineering accomplishment to carry out his nefarious deeds.
Murder, ambition, intrigue, and the indomitable American spirit juxtapose perfectly in this tale of both the good and evil within man.
Every detail has been painstakingly researched and the ... narrative crafted with ever growing suspense and bewilderment.
Nearly impossible to put down.
Read more
