What a truly fascinating tale this is! Larson has done a brilliant job of putting history into context while weaving for us a spellbinding story from our past.

The old saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same," holds so much truth. Human nature remains a constant throughout the ages. I absolutely loved learning about the fair and all of the wonderful things that were present there, such as Juicy Fruit gum.

The influence that the architecture choices had on cities afterward is also a very interesting aspect. When reading books like this, it is such a treat to see all of the lives that intersect.

For example, the famous women who were at the fair, like Jane Addams, Susan B. Anthony, and Annie Oakley, to name just a few. The part that H.H. Holmes played is truly diabolical. I cannot believe that I have never heard of him before. He makes Jack the Ripper look like a rank amateur.

This book is highly recommended for anyone who has an interest in history, true crime, or just a great story. It is a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

After reading this highly publicized and well-reviewed title, I feel like a person who ordered hot dogs at a world's fair only to be served scrambled eggs. At the risk of imitating the child in "The Emperor's New Clothes," I'm penning this review for fans of true crime and stating that the true crime here was committed by the author. I find Erik Larson guilty of literary bait-and-switch.

He seemingly desired to write a history of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 but was aware that such work would draw a limited audience. So, he thought: "Throw in some H.H. Holmes—America's Jack the Ripper—and label it as true crime. After all, Holmes attended the fair and even rode the Ferris wheel."

It truly aches me to witness this book listed near the top of true crime book lists. It is actually a book about the architecture of the Chicago World's Fair that incorporates a short story about H.H. Holmes.

Consequently, the two stories detract from each other. I read until the end hoping Larson would offer some connection between them beyond Holmes's visits to the fair and was appalled to read Larson's pretentious dismissal at the end, which even includes a comparison of his methods here with those of Truman Capote's in In Cold Blood. Instead, I was compelled to compare it with James McManus's Positively Fifth Street, a book that defied genre by combining the author's coverage of a notorious Las Vegas true crime trial with his personal involvement at the World Series of Poker. McManus utilized humor and excellent writing to effectively link those two events. And, I was hoping Larson might do the same. He didn't even come close.

If you're seeking a book about Holmes, obtain a copy of David Franke's Torture Doctor. And return this book to where it rightfully belongs, to the art and architecture sections of the public library.

Full review now posted below!

Every time I nervously open a non-fiction book, I think, “Perhaps this time. Maybe I won't loathe this one.” And yet, every single time, I am proven wrong. On one hand, since History is half of my dual B.A. Degree, I do find the subject matter interesting and I respect the research that went into penning a book like The Devil in the White City. A book of this caliber required an enormous amount of time and dedication to write. How could I not have respect for that level of effort? On the other hand, I was bored to the point of tears or slumber. Either way, I had to force myself to get through it.

Half of this book was the story of America's first serial killer, which I initially thought would be fascinating. But Holmes was no Jack the Ripper and, while somewhat interesting, wasn't as captivating to read about as more brutal, hands-on killers. I know that sounds extremely morbid, but it's the truth. He was an intriguing individual, but a rather dull killer. The building of the World's Fair held in Chicago would have been much more palatable (for me) if it had been condensed to just the highlights. Burnham was a self-made man who secured his future through that Fair, but he and his associates were not engaging enough to warrant half of a four-hundred-page book, in my opinion. I got extremely bogged down in the details of the architecture, even though the Fair sounded absolutely breathtaking. At the risk of sounding childish, I wish there had been more photographic illustrations of the Fair and less mind-numbing description.

There were two aspects of this book that I truly enjoyed. The first was learning about the various inventions unveiled at the fair. I was aware of Cracker Jacks and the Ferris Wheel being introduced at the Fair. But who knew that zippers, Wrigley's gum, and Aunt Jemima's Ready-Made Pancake mix all had their beginnings at the world's largest gathering up to that point in history? And bless whoever invented the automatic dishwasher, which was also unveiled at the Fair. I don't know about you, but that's an invention that I'm extremely grateful for.

I also really liked learning about Detective Geyer, the Pinkerton man who finally brought Holmes to justice. Geyer's dedication to finding the missing Pitezel children, Howard, Nellie, and Alice, led to the discovery of Holmes' other dark deeds. The majority of Americans followed the case religiously, and Geyer became America's Sherlock Holmes. I love anything related to Sherlock, so that made my inner nerd happy.

Did I enjoy this book? Bottom line: no. It was interesting on an intellectual level. I learned a great deal. It gave me something to talk about during future lulls in conversation. But it wasn't entertaining, and I read to be entertained. After all, I'm an escapist. Larson should be commended for his hard work, but his book read like a dissertation to me. Most non-fiction does. And I can never seem to make myself enjoy reading anything factual. Now, if something is based on reality, I can sometimes get behind that. On occasion, anyway. But unless there's magic, swords, and a plethora of events that could never actually happen, I just don't have much interest. That's not to say that I don't like truth in my fiction. In my opinion, the best fiction proclaims some truth that often gets lost in the chaos of real life. Give me dragons with morality. Give me fairytales that leap off the page and whisper the truth in my ear. Give me fantasy that proclaims something. It moves me more than nonfiction any day.

I didn't enjoy this as much as the other two Larson books I've read (Dead Wake and The Splendid and the Vile). However, I can't fault the writing. It simply wasn't really my thing.

This is truly two books in one. Half of the story focuses on the construction of the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. I wasn't overly interested in the architecture and engineering aspects, nor the details of how difficult it was to manage timelines and complete it on time. I did, however, like reading about what it looked like when it all came together. For a brief period, it seemed to be the center of the world.

The other half of the story is about the serial murderer H.H. Holmes, who was also active in Chicago at the same time. I was more intrigued by this part. In fact, I found it quite thrilling. Nevertheless, I'm ambivalent about it, simply because I don't think it's great to fixate on serial killers.

Some readers might be a bit frustrated that the two stories didn't converge in a dramatic manner. They just occurred simultaneously and in the same place. It didn't bother me, though - having both stories in the same book provides a more vivid picture of what life was like in Chicago in the 1890s.

Larson accomplishes an outstanding feat in presenting the excitement, effort, novelty, and grandeur of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair/Columbian Exhibition. He delved into primary sources, which adds authenticity to his account.

Readers gain a clear understanding of the high stakes, tight deadlines, and the prominent personalities involved. Daniel Burnham, who skillfully oversaw the entire event, and Olmstead, renowned for his creations like Central Park across the US, are especially notable. Larson elaborates on the architecture, engineering, and the sheer scale and innovation of this remarkable event.

Interestingly, Burnham's story is contrasted with that of Henry Holmes, a psychopath and serial killer. Holmes built and operated the World's Fair Hotel, where he lured and murdered numerous young women.

For those with a passion for Chicago, this factual retelling vividly brings the city's history, particularly that of Hyde Park, to life.

This book is highly recommended and rightfully deserving of all the awards it has received. It is truly a great work by Erik Larson.

\\n  Review originally published July 2016\\n

One of my recent reads isn't a brand-new book. In fact, it was first published in October 2002. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson offers a true account of the creation of the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893.

This book combines two parallel stories. Firstly, there's the planning and preparation for Chicago's world fair, with a focus on architect Daniel H. Burnham. The reader will be amazed by the challenging yet captivating task of organizing an event like this and the time and effort it took to secure the bid. You'll quickly understand the huge egos and political influences at work in such events.

I was intrigued to discover that one of the purposes of a world's fair is to introduce the public to the latest technologies of the time. Some of the inventions showcased at various world fairs include the Colt revolver, calculating machine, telephone, controlled flight, ice cream cone, gas-powered autos, computer technology, outdoor lighting, and green building techniques, to name just a few.

With large crowds of people from all over the world gathering, it's no surprise that there's chaos and murder. Enter the sinister Dr. H.H. Holmes, whose real name was Herman Webster Mudgett. Holmes was a con artist and serial killer who established himself in Chicago at the same time that architect Burnham began his historic construction of the Chicago world's fair.

It's believed that Holmes was the first documented American serial killer. His calculated murder methods will send shivers down your spine and remind you that this kind of chaos has been around for centuries. I would have enjoyed the book even without the true accounts of the serial murderer, but I'll admit that I was fascinated by those details.

If you've never read any history about the 1893 world's fair in Chicago, this book is an excellent starting point. It's well-written, and from the words on the page, you can really picture what was happening.

Typically, a world fair takes place every five years in a city around the world that wins the bid. The 2020 world's fair was supposed to be held in Dubai, but due to Covid-19, it was postponed to 2021.

-Suzie

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My expectations for this popular history book were extremely high, and I was not let down.

"The Devil In The White City" offers an engaging and informative perspective on Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. Despite numerous challenges such as a shortage of time and money, natural disasters, a struggling economy, and the pressure to outshine Paris's fair that introduced the iconic Eiffel Tower, the fair was completed and made international headlines, ultimately changing the country.

Larson presents the stories of two self-made individuals with obsessive personalities: Daniel Burnham, the chief architect of the fair who later designed NYC's Flatiron building, and Dr. H.H. Holmes, a charming pharmacist/entrepreneur who lured vulnerable young women (newly arrived for the fair and often on their own for the first time) to their horrific deaths.

Initially, Holmes's serial killer narrative is more captivating than Burnham's bureaucratic and administrative difficulties. The details are simply too gruesome. Holmes built a place near the fair called The World's Fair Hotel with a unique design, including a heavily sealed, soundproof room that could be filled with gas, another room for "surgeries," and a large oven for incinerating bodies. Always on the lookout for more money, he even found a way to sell his victims' skeletons to a nearby teaching facility. It's truly gruesome.

However, as I continued reading, I became immersed in the turmoil surrounding the fair. Despite knowing that the event took place, there is still a great deal of suspense. Would the sickly landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, famous for designing Central Park, be well enough to complete his designs and see his vision come to life? Could an engineer come up with an idea to top Paris's Eiffel Tower? (Some of the proposals are truly hilarious, like a tower so tall it had chutes for people to slide back to New York.)

Larson, a former staff writer for "The Wall Street Journal," has conducted an impressive amount of research. His "Notes and Sources" chapter is fascinating, especially when he explains how he reconstructed scenes that no one witnessed. At times, the detail can be overwhelming, such as the three complete dinner menus for fancy galas before and during the fair.

The Holmes narrative is structured like a thriller, with each revelation making you wonder, "Will he be caught? Surely this can't go on!" Larson does not disappoint in telling his story, which even includes a period when Holmes was in my hometown of Toronto!

The book also contains many anecdotes about famous people (Buffalo Bill Cody, Nikola Tesla, Annie Oakley, Theodore Dreiser) and products (Shredded Wheat, Aunt Jemima, Juicy Fruit, Pabst's Blue Ribbon). Did you know that the term "Windy City" has nothing to do with Chicago's weather?

At times, the narrative can be a bit choppy as Larson switches between Burnham and Holmes's stories. He also weaves in a less engaging story about a man named Patrick Prendergast, which unfolds like a B or C plot until its conclusion.

Speaking of plots, a film adaptation starring Leonardo Di Caprio as Holmes is in the works. He'll be great, but I'm glad I didn't have his image in mind while reading the book. (A chilling archival picture of Holmes is included. More photographs of other people and places would have been helpful.)

I recommend reading this book before more casting announcements are made. It's better to let Larson's story play out in your imagination before it's forever reduced on the silver screen.

This was truly a surprise for me. It wasn't really the genre that I typically gravitate towards. However, for the bookclub, I am willing to read anything.

So, having said that, I must admit that I really loved reading this book. It was filled with so many interesting tidbits about our architectural history. As I was reading, every now and then I would find myself thinking, "Well, I never knew that."

The author did an excellent job of presenting the information in an engaging and accessible way. It made me realize how much there is to learn about the built environment around us.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in architecture or history. It is a great read that will expand your knowledge and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the buildings that shape our world.

Whether you are a seasoned architecture enthusiast or just someone who is curious about the world around you, this book is definitely worth checking out. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it as part of the bookclub, and I look forward to discussing it with my fellow members.

Overall, it was a great experience, and I would give this book a big thumbs up!

This is a book that continuously popped up on recommended lists.

Finally, I decided to pick it up and give it a read. I'm extremely glad that I did, and now Erik Larson has a new fan.

Narrative nonfiction is a genre that poses a great challenge for writers to excel in. If not done skillfully, it can be dreadfully dull. However, Mr. Larson is not only a top-notch historian but also an outstanding writer.

"The Devil in the White City" is truly a valuable lesson about the United States at the turn of the century. It presents the story through the perspective of the 1893 World's Fair and the account of a serial killer. At first, it might seem like a crazy idea, and perhaps it is. But it works amazingly well.

The text is structured with alternating chapters, following either the story of H.H. Holmes (the serial killer) or Daniel Burnham (the leader/architect of the World's Fair). The book's structure and pacing are superbly done, and the research, as demonstrated by the comprehensive Notes section, is complete and accurate.

Although I'm a history enthusiast, I'm not particularly interested in architecture or reading about killers. Nevertheless, this book captivated me almost immediately, and I never felt bored or irritated while reading it. Some reviewers have claimed that if you don't have an affinity for one of those two topics, this text isn't for you. But I wholeheartedly disagree.

Not only did I learn about people and events that I was completely unaware of, but I also understood how crucial the events in Chicago during the early 1890s were in American history. Their significance to me in 2011 was made abundantly clear, and Larson should be commended for making the forgotten relevant and interesting.

I thoroughly enjoyed this text, and I will definitely recommend it to others. I have already ordered more of Mr. Larson's works. I guess that sums it all up.

My summer assignment for my AP US History class was to read and annotate The Devil in the White City. At first, I thought it might be an interesting read. However, as I delved into it, I realized that taking extensive notes on the historical aspects was quite a task.

If I hadn't had to focus so much on the historical details, I might have enjoyed the novel more. But that wasn't the case.

Now, don't get me wrong. The history presented in the book wasn't trivial or incorrect. It was just the way Erik Larson conveyed those facts that left me feeling a bit bored.

The book is divided into two distinct stories. One follows a group of architects as they build Chicago's World Fair, and the other is about a serial killer named Holmes who preys on women and children visiting the fair. The chapters alternate between Daniel Burnham, the man in charge of the fair's construction, and Holmes.

This separated structure didn't work well for me. I found myself slogging through the parts about the fair, eagerly anticipating the sections on Holmes. The book would have been much better if the two plots had been more intertwined, which did happen briefly towards the end.

In conclusion, I did like The Devil in the White City, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't a fan of learning about history. It's a book that requires a certain level of interest in the subject matter to fully appreciate.

*cross-posted from my blog, the quiet voice.

The Devil in The White City is an enthralling exploration of the ingenuity of two remarkable men and the application of their genius. Initially, I harbored concerns that the book might be overly gruesome, yet most of the details are left to the reader's imagination.

However, it is the Fair that truly captured my attention. The manner in which these individuals managed to construct such beauty and excitement within limited time, with restricted funds and in a less than ideal location is simply astonishing. I reside in Milwaukee, approximately an hour and a half from Chicago, and being familiar with this area, it brought the story even closer to home for me. The vivid descriptive writing painted a vivid picture of the dazzling buildings as well as the numerous famous visitors. The Ferris Wheel was an engineering marvel of such magnitude that it is difficult to fathom how it all functioned, bearing the incredible weight of the cars and the people. The writing is nothing short of superb, and I simply could not put this book down. Subsequently, I spent countless hours on the internet searching for photographs from the fair and was astounded to view them; it was even more spectacular than I had envisioned. Strangely, the Chicago Museum has very little information on the Fair and the development of the Ferris Wheel.

There is an abundance to be learned from this book about this time period when Chicago strived to prove itself, and it did so admirably! As described in the book, I can only imagine how depressing it must have been to witness the end of the fair and return to ordinary life, especially during those economically challenging times. The killings and plotting of H. Holmes were a tremendous shock to 1800's society. It sends shivers down my spine to think about how callous we have become in the face of such crimes.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone who appreciates great writing, and especially to lovers of historical fiction.

The White City refers to the Chicago Columbia Exposition, a world fair where all the buildings were painted white. It took place in the late 1800s. The Devil, on the other hand, is a serial killer. This is a non-fiction book, and Larson has crafted a highly informative and entertaining story.

The Columbian Exposition was of great significance. Chicago had competed for the honor of hosting a world’s fair, and when they were chosen, the energy of the renowned slaughterhouse city was harnessed. Many personalities were involved, especially Daniel Burnham, one of the top architects of his era and the coordinator of the entire project design. He brought in Frederick Law Olmstead and numerous other prominent architects. Chicago was determined to surpass the French, whose world fair in Paris had been a success, introducing, among other things, the Eiffel Tower and the mass use of alternating current. Larson vividly describes the conflicting and eccentric personalities of the time, making us wonder how the fair ever came to fruition.

The Chicago Exposition introduced several significant elements of its own. It had a very progressive concept of city planning, as the enterprise required simultaneous attention to numerous aspects. One of the structures built was then the largest building in the world. The fair also introduced Mister Ferris’ first working wheel. The Disney family attended, and it may have inspired Walt to develop something of his own. Buffalo Bill made millions with his entertainment just outside the fair gates (the fair had not permitted him to be part of the show inside). However, the weather and the state of the economy, which was plummeting, were formidable obstacles to the construction.

Complementing the hardships and achievements of creating the fair, the Devil in the title was a young man named Holmes (not Sherlock). He had a charming way with people, especially creditors and attractive young women. But he had some flaws. He was completely unable to empathize with anyone and was an extreme example of what we now call a psychopath. He set up business in Chicago around that time, acquired some property, and built a building of his own design. It was called The Castle, and one could be forgiven for imagining it with lightning bolts in a stormy sky. It was here that he murdered countless people, including women, men, and children. He designed the building to have a space where he could trap and gas people. He also made provisions for his need to incinerate the bodies without emitting much odor. His charm kept the suspicious at bay. Eventually, of course, he was discovered and brought to justice, but not before he had killed between 50 and 200 people.

Larson fills the book with dozens of interesting facts about the people he describes and the times. Despite some of the darker subject matter, it was a very engaging, informative, and enjoyable read.