The Devil in the White City
3 journalers for this copy...
Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America
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From the back cover: Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Larson intertwines the true tale of two men -- the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the wolrd; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.
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An engrossing tale about a city, its leading men, and immense pride in the attempt to achieve immense greatness is also a story about a man who chooses to do immense evil.
The two stories are connected merely by their setting -- there is no real overlap between the two. This could be a criticism but (to me) it didn't detract from the story.
One of my favorite parts was all the small details about the Chicago World's Fair and the many everyday items that came out of that exposition.
It should be noted that this book is strongly rooted in history, but Larson does take some liberties, particularly with the Holmes storyline. The wealth of primary sources that Larson used to research the tale of Burnham and the World Fair were not, of course, available for Holmes. Every effort was made to preserve accuracy, but readers should be aware of the endnotes that Larson provides and of the critiques of some of his sources.
***
From the back cover: Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Larson intertwines the true tale of two men -- the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the wolrd; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.
***
An engrossing tale about a city, its leading men, and immense pride in the attempt to achieve immense greatness is also a story about a man who chooses to do immense evil.
The two stories are connected merely by their setting -- there is no real overlap between the two. This could be a criticism but (to me) it didn't detract from the story.
One of my favorite parts was all the small details about the Chicago World's Fair and the many everyday items that came out of that exposition.
It should be noted that this book is strongly rooted in history, but Larson does take some liberties, particularly with the Holmes storyline. The wealth of primary sources that Larson used to research the tale of Burnham and the World Fair were not, of course, available for Holmes. Every effort was made to preserve accuracy, but readers should be aware of the endnotes that Larson provides and of the critiques of some of his sources.
Gave it to Dad.
(I think if I see a reasonably priced audio version, Turtle might like it.)
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Dad read it and gave it back.
(I think if I see a reasonably priced audio version, Turtle might like it.)
***
Dad read it and gave it back.
Journal Entry 3 by buffra at Marriott Charleston Riverview Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina USA on Monday, April 23, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (4/21/2007 UTC) at Marriott Charleston Riverview Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Convention release
Convention release
I picked this up at the Book Buffet at the 2007 Bookcrossing Convention in Charleston, SC. because the title looked so intriguing! I am looking forward to reading it.
I just finished reading The Devil in the White City, and I don't know why I put it off so long! It is a wonderfully written book. It reads like a novel, weaving the stories of the two men and the World's Fair together expertly. I usually prefer fiction to nonfiction, but I really enjoyed this one (if "enjoyed" can be said of the grisly details of Dr. Holmes' deeds).
I think my husband will want to read this, and my son, if he hasn't read it already. After they have finished it, we will make it available or release it.
I think my husband will want to read this, and my son, if he hasn't read it already. After they have finished it, we will make it available or release it.
FancyHorse gave it to me, and she's right. I did enjoy reading it, especially the parts about the World's Fair. We will save it for our son.
