About this book
The Devil in the White City sets two true stories side by side. The first follows Daniel Burnham, the architect who led the enormous effort to build the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, against deadlines, bad weather and fierce doubts. The second follows H. H. Holmes, a con man and killer who preyed on people drawn to the city around the time of the fair.
Erik Larson alternates between the two strands, building suspense like a novelist while sticking to historical sources. Around them he shows a booming, chaotic Chicago and a fair full of innovations and famous names. The Holmes chapters deal with murder, but Larson keeps the violence restrained rather than lurid.
It is one of the most popular narrative histories for good reason, and an easy way into American history at the turn of the century. Larson fans can move on to Dead Wake, his account of the sinking of the Lusitania; for another construction epic of the same era, try The Path Between the Seas.
Who it’s for
Perfect for readers who like history that reads like a thriller; very accessible, with some dark material.
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