The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America | 
 enlarge | Author: Erik Larson
Publisher: Vintage
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
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Rating:  782 reviews
Sales Rank: 347
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 447
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 1
ISBN: 0375725601
Dewey Decimal Number: 364.15230977311
EAN: 9780375725609
ASIN: 0375725601
Publication Date: February 10, 2004
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| Also Available In:
 | Paperback - The Devil in the White City | | | Paperback - The Devil in the White City | | | Turtleback - Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, And Madness at the Fair That Changed America | | | Hardcover - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America | | | Audio Cassette - The Devil in the White City | | | Audio CD - The Devil in the White City | | | Audio CD - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, Madness, and the Fair that Changed America (Illinois) | | | Audio Cassette - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic & Madness and the Fair that Changed America (Illinois) | | | Audio CD - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, Madness, and the Fair that Changed America | | | Audio CD - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America | | | Hardcover - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America | | | Paperback - The Devil in the White City : Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America | | | Hardcover - The Devil in the White City; Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair | | | Audio Download - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America | | | Audio Download - The Devil in the White City (Unabridged) | | | Kindle Edition - The Devil in the White City: A Saga of Magic and Murder at the Fair that Changed America | | | Hardcover - The Devil in the White City |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Review
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
Product Description
Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson's spellbinding bestseller 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 world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Erik Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 777 more reviews...
 Thrilling and Enchanting History January 5, 2009
This book is an exciting and compelling account of of the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. Although it reads like a mystery novel, it is actual history. Two parallel stories run through the book, the account of the planning and success of the fair as well as the activities of a sinister serial killer who preyed upon visitors to the fair. The author is especially adept at bringing out the interesting side stories that intersect with the account of the fair. Highly recommended--especially for fans of history and mysteries.
 The beginnings of modern America December 30, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Awesome.
The White City, a neoclassical court of stunning buildings, lit up with the first spotlights. Think of Washington's Mall, but more cozy.
The Black City, Chicago's nickname for its grime, dirt, and violence.
The chaos in Chicago, at a turning point in American civic art and architecture, provided cover for a madman. Holmes built a Black City castle, processing the bodies of his victims like pigs at the stockyards.
A great follow-up would be a history of Chicago in the 1900s, where you watch Burnham and other characters take their Fair concepts and methodically apply them to the city at large. I'm going the other way, reading Homicide.
Great bus/el read for commuting to Englewood December 28, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
In most serial killer stories, there is something to lead you to believe that some redemption would have been possible. That of H.H. Holmes is a exception. And Larson paints a gruesome tale of how well pure evil can thrive in a distracted city with top to bottom incompetence.
 Can't tell what this book is about; The Worlds Fair or H.H. Holmes December 25, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is choppy at best. It moves from one subject to the next and does not read through.
I was very dissapointed with this book. If I had known I would of bought the other book on H.H. Holmes!
Remarkable Story of Tragedy in the Shadows of Triumph December 21, 2008
Stories of triumph and tragedy are paralleled in this remarkable book by Erik Larson. I initially picked up this book because of an interest in Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. The coverage of Burnham was fascinating and I also found myself quickly absorbed in the suspenseful drama of H.H. Holmes. The long shadows cast by the creation of the Fair provide cover for the sinister activities of a polite professional predator. This book took me on contrasting journeys of wonder and contempt for the people encountered along the way. Larson intricately builds a remarkable portrait of Chicago in the late 19th century. He skillfully includes enough historical anecdotes to open up other avenues for exploration as well. If you have an appreciation for architecture, history, or just a good true crime story, this is a book to savor.
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