Erik Larson
What’s inside
The Devil in the White City intertwines the true tale of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the mastermind behind the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and H. H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. The book juxtaposes the development of modern architecture and city planning against the grim reality of America’s first urban serial killer.
You’ll Learn
- Understanding of the history and impact of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
- Insight into the mind of a notorious serial killer
- Appreciation for the challenges of city planning and architectural innovation
- Exploration of the dichotomous nature of progress and depravity
Key Points
- The grandeur and planning of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
- Holmes’ manipulative charm and his constructed ‘Murder Castle’
- Burnham’s challenges and triumphs
- Holmes’ dark deeds during the Fair
- The legacy and influence of the Fair
- The final capture and trial of Holmes
- The enduring impact of Burnham’s architectural vision
Who’s it For
- readers interested in history
- true crime enthusiasts
- architecture enthusiasts
- people interested in the late 19th-century America
About the author
Erik Larson is a New York Times bestselling author and master of narrative non-fiction. His vividly written, meticulously researched works often explore historical events through an intimate, human lens.