The Chicago World’s Fair, “The White City,”
Was A Magnet For People Worldwide
“Devil in the White City,” written by Erik Larson, is a spine-tingling, true story of murders and deceit in the city of Chicago, Illinois in 1893. The city was hosting the World’s Fair (officially named World’s Columbian Expedition) and the buildings and displays built within it were totally lit by electric light, thus earning the name of “The White City.” The man responsible for this stunning vision was Daniel Hudson Burnham, an architect famous for his building designs all over America. Everyone was drawn to Chicago to see all the wonders of the exhibition, as it was well known they were fascinating and numerous. It was a “must see” for the population of the world.
Worldwide Visitors Streamed Into Chicago
Crowds from all over the world streamed in to see the magical wonders of the World’s Fair displays. But one man had a different view of the White City; he saw it as a hunting ground, an opportunity to find victims. His name was Herman Mudgett (aka H.H. Holmes) and he was to go into history books as one of the most intelligent, cold-blooded, proficient serial killers who ever lived.
This then, is the story of a big city outdoing itself to attract the world, the architect who fought to keep his vision alive in the face of opposition, and of the monster who used the magic attraction of a world’s fair as bait for his evil purposes.
A True Story Of Events Surrounding
The World’s Fair, 1893
A gripping tale of murder, mayhem and eventual redemption in the teeming city of Chicago. The book is fascinating, and I read it twice, something I rarely ever do. If you like history, mystery and murder all rolled up in a beautiful setting like “The White City,” the Chicago World’s Fair, this is a book that you won’t want to put down until you’re finished. And then, like me, you’ll probably read it over again. Author Erik Larson’s research into this era and the events that transpired is thorough and detailed. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into that time and place.
Lodging at A Reasonable(?) Price
Nobody went to the World’s Columbian Expedition for only a couple of hours. It covered more than 600 acres, with 200 buildings housing exhibits from 46 countries. When you visited from out of state, you naturally planned a vacation there, giving you time to visit all the fascinating new things that were offered. People found it difficult to find lodging and Herman Mudgett AKA Dr. H.H. Holmes found that a bonus for his purposes. He offered lodging at a reasonable price, only 16 blocks from The White City………and many people took advantage of the low rates…never to be seen again.
Photo Credit
Herman Mudgett also known
as Dr. H. H. Holmes
Photo Credit
Erik Larson doesn’t have to rely on bloody gore to entice his readers. Larson’s newspaper background instilled in him the drive for thoroughly researching his material. He writes of each event’s impact on the people involved and the actions that led to its eventual climax. “In The Garden of Beasts” is another thrilling story of the days when Hitler loomed large in many people’s lives. His book answers questions such as “Why did the people not shut Hitler down before he gained such power?” or “Why did they allow such atrocities to continue?” It’s a book you’ll find riveting.
Erik Larson is a contributing writer for The Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine. His magazine articles have been published in The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly and Harper’s Magazine, among others. He also taught non-fiction writing at San Francisco State University, Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars, and at the University of Oregon. He does public speaking events too.
For more historical information about the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago… – Try these links.
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Wikipedia on World’s Columbian Exposition (World’s Fair) in 1893
It was a sight to behold…a city entirely lit up with electric lighting…painted white to show it off. Wikipedia has more information for history buffs here.
I hope I’ve given you enough information about the book and its author, without giving away the entire story. It’s a fascinating study of a time long before the kind of communication we have now, which caused each individual great challenges in their objectives.
Oh, wow, I have never heard of this ghastly “Devil In the White City” tale! Coupled with your history, the book trailer sure adds to the mystery. This would be a great book to read on a dark and stormy night.