The Devil in the White City
By Erik Larson
Published: Vintage (February 2004)
Page #: 447
Rating: 3|5 Stars
Available for purchase via Amazon, Audible, & Barnes & Noble
The Devil in the White City is a non-fiction, true crime novel. It documents the drama that unfolded during the planning and construction of 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Larson tells you the true story surrounding the life and experiences of Daniel Burnham, Director of Works for the fair. As well as H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who masters charm and deception as a physician.
The thing I found odd about this book was that Larson tried to make it seem that Mr. Burnham and Mr. Holmes were somehow connected or intertwined, when historically speaking, their paths didn’t cross (that we know of).
This story is told in chronological order of events that took place. For Daniel Burnham, you will learn about the planning of the fair, his relationship with his partners, civil engineers, and landscapers.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the history of the late 1800’s, American serial killers, or late 1800’s inventions and architecture.