The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America (Thorndike Americana)

Rating:
Summary: Fact is truly stranger than fiction
Review: What a great book. It is great for those who enjoy history as well as those who enjoy a suspense novel. An eye-opening account of what the United States and the world was like around the end of the 1800's. It is incredible what those architects were able to produce in such a short amount of time. It is hard to believe that it was merely over 100 years ago. We are introduced to many major world players in different industries who all happened to be involved in the World's Fair. The way it is written between the chapters and lives of Daniel Burnham and H.H. Holmes was genius. I found myself eager to start the next chapter to see what was happening with the "other" story.

Rating:
Summary: so interestingly written, you think it must be fiction!
Review: What an interesting book! I am a Chicago native but didn't know much about the 1893 World's Fair until picking up this book. Erik Larson does a really good job of juxtaposing two seemingly unrelated stories together into a fascinating narrative. You read about the chief architect of the fair, Daniel Burnham, who had to oversee the construction of the fair's many large buildings and grounds in under two years, and about Dr. H.H. Holmes, a man who moves to Chicago and sets up a hotel to lure female victims to their death.

I originally chose this book because I wanted to learn more about Chicago history and its 1893 World Fair, but was pleasantly surprised to find myself drawn in by the story of H.H. Holmes. The story is so engaging that it's almost hard to believe it's all true! This book gave me a good understanding of an important time in history and entertained me too.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Story - Well Written
Review: When I discovered my grandfather's old turn-of-the century photo album, I saw some pictures of enormous white buildings, which seemed so fantastical I thought they were part of a miniature or model. Later, I realized they were pictures of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair! I had to learn more about it and Amazon.com recommended "The Devil in the White City."

After reading a library copy, I knew I had to buy the book... which I did!

If all history instructors would teach as Larson writes, there would be legion more history students! And, knowing that my grandfather, great grandmother & great grandfather had been there, made the story more compelling.

Warning: It's rather macabre re: the serial murderer. But, if you like CSI - you'll love this! If not, concentrate on the building of the Fair & its social change ramifications. Either way, it's a Great read and a keeper!