The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Written By: Erik Larson

Genre: Nonfiction, History, True Crime

Synopsis:

Author Erik Larson imbues the incredible events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with such drama that readers may find themselves checking the book's categorization to be sure that 'The Devil in the White City' is not, in fact, a highly imaginative novel. Larson tells the stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor.

Burnham's challenge was immense. In a short period of time, he was forced to overcome the death of his partner and numerous other obstacles to construct the famous "White City" around which the fair was built. His efforts to complete the project, and the fair's incredible success, are skillfully related along with entertaining appearances by such notables as Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, and Thomas Edison.

The activities of the sinister Dr. Holmes, who is believed to be responsible for scores of murders around the time of the fair, are equally remarkable. He devised and erected the World's Fair Hotel, complete with crematorium and gas chamber, near the fairgrounds and used the event as well as his own charismatic personality to lure victims.

Combining the stories of an architect and a killer in one book, mostly in alternating chapters, seems like an odd choice but it works. The magical appeal and horrifying dark side of 19th-century Chicago are both revealed through Larson's skillful writing. - John Moe

Format: Paperback, 447 Pages

Setting: Illinois

Awards: International Horror Guild Award for Nonfiction (2003), Book Sense Book of the Year Award Nominee (2004), Great Lakes Book Award Nominee for Nonfiction Shortlist (2003), Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime (2004), Washington State Book Award (2004), Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award (2004), National Book Award Finalist for Nonfiction (2003), ALCS Dagger for Non-fiction Nominee (2003)

Goodreads Rating: 4.00

*This book is pre-loved, but has been carefully looked through to ensure it is not missing any pages and is in good condition. All visible flaws have been documented in the product photos.