| | |  | Political | Home » » » The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America | | | | | | | 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. | | | Features: | |
• ISBN13: 9780375725609
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
| | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Erik Larson | | Paperback:
| 447 pages | | Publisher:
| Vintage | | Publication Date:
| February 10, 2004 | | ISBN:
| 0375725601 | | Package Length:
| 8.0 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.4 inches | | Package Height:
| 0.7 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.85 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 925 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
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 Devil in the White CitySep 08, 2010
This one started out really slow for me. It actually took me three tries to be able to complete it. I'm glad I did stick with it because after the first 100 pages the story really started to pick up. Devil in the White City tells two stories that intertwine: the story of the Chicago World's Fair and the story of H. H. Holmes, America's first serial killer that operated in Chicago during the time of the World's Fair.
First the story of the World's Fair-This book gives a detailed accounting of all obstacles that were faced to make this a reality, and there were many. Apparently at that time Chicago was viewed as an inferior city and no one thought that the architects brought together to design the World's Fair could pulll it off. Miraculously they did and ended up blowing the World's Fair in Paris (where the Eiffel Tower was unveiled) out of the water. It really was an interesting story, at times with too much detail which kind of made the story drag a bit here and there. Still it was good and I kept trying to picture present day Chicago in my mind throughout the book, mentally comparing what was still there of the fair. Not much I'm afraid.
The second story which details the operations of H. H. Holmes, stealth serial killer at large was equally fascinating. The book focused more on the timeline of who Holmes killed and offered a little here and there of how he accomplished it but did not focus on the details of how all the individual murders were committed. This is something that I think actually ended up being a good thing because I think it would have bogged down the book. I will not give away how he was finally caught but the manner in which he was caught and the fact that the Chicago Police Department was completely oblivious just boggled my mind.
Definitely a good piece of history that doesn't read like a boring history book at all. I'm glad I stuck with this one.
 Chicago in the 1890s like you never knew it...Sep 05, 2010
'The Devil in the White City...' is a surprisingly good read. The author effortlessly combines two stories that intersect, albeit slightly, and produces a documentary that falls into the "so strange it has to be true" category. One story involves all the background in preparing and delivering the 1893 World's Fair (in Chicago). Sounds dull? Well it's anything but. I now know this event was a significant milestone in American history. The other story concerns a serial killer who had set up shop close to the fair. The man was both clever and evil, ... I am surprised he is not better known today like, say, Jack the Ripper.
Bottom line: proof that books based on history can be both educational and entertaining. Strongly recommended.
Fantastically surprising read! A MUST OWN!Sep 05, 2010
I picked this up at my local library on a whim, and absolutely could not put it down! The history of the World's Fair, juxtaposed with a deadly killer, was an amazing read. Toward the middle of the book you will find yourself seriously wondering -- how are they going to do all this in the time frame? It is impossible to build all this with these barriers! How is he going to be caught? You simply do not want the book to end...and it is the rare writer who can combine such seemingly separate forces into a powerful, true story. It is the kind of book that you will read over and over, and it never loses its thrill.
I am waiting for my Kindle "3" to arrive so I can buy the digital version.
True Dirt on the White City,Sep 04, 2010
Erik Larson has got to be one of today's best. He does not use the internet for the facts. He digs them up, one bone at a time. Learn about Chicago, the architects, the fair, and the snake that charmed the basket. A page turner? You'll be up all night just because you cannot put the book down.
This book was incredible!Aug 30, 2010
This book gives many interesting facts about the making of the Chicago Fair. These sections would tend to get kind of long and a little bit boring since i am not really a fan of architect, but then BAM, you are in the mind of a serial killer. Now these sections are honestly thrilling and very enjoyable to read. The two balance each other out nicely and make for a fantastic novel! If you have some free time DEFINITELY check out this book..it was so good i was actually sad when it ended. READ IT!! DO IT!! You won't regret it!(:
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