79 pages • 2 hours read
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447
Book • Nonfiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1890s
2003
Adult
18+ years
1170L
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson intertwines the narratives of Daniel Hudson Burnham, the architect of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, and H. H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure victims into his "Murder Castle." The book explores themes like sanity versus insanity, anonymity in urban environments, contemporary gender roles, and the contrasting collaborative nature of Burnham's work with Holmes' isolation during their intertwined trajectories at the historical fair. The book contains graphic descriptions of violence, murder, and systemic manipulation.
Mysterious
Dark
Informative
Suspenseful
731,246 ratings
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Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City is praised for its intricate weaving of historical detail and captivating storytelling, blending the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with a chilling true crime narrative. Critics commend its meticulous research and engaging prose, though some find its dual narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it’s a compelling read for history buffs and true crime enthusiasts alike.
Readers who enjoy richly detailed narrative non-fiction blending historical events with true crime will find The Devil in the White City captivating. Fans of Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton or David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon will appreciate Larson's meticulous research and storytelling.
731,246 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Daniel Hudson Burnham
An esteemed architect known for directing the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, pivotal in the planning and execution of the fair's grand structures.
John Wellborn Root
Burnham’s architectural partner, recognized for his innovative design influence, who played a significant role in their firm's success until his early death.
Frederick Law Olmsted
A renowned landscape architect tasked with designing the fairgrounds, known for his prior work on New York's Central Park.
Benjamin Pitezel
H. H. Holmes’s assistant and carpenter, embroiled in Holmes’s fraudulent schemes and suffering a tragic fate.
Charles Chappell
A machinist employed by Holmes, who helped prepare corpses as skeletons for medical use.
Patrick Quinlan
The caretaker at Holmes’ building, who was implicated in aiding Holmes with his criminal activities.
Clara Lovering
Holmes's first wife, married to him before his descent into crime, with whom he had a daughter.
Myrta Z. Belknap
Holmes's second wife, whose relationship with Holmes became strained due to his infidelities.
Jonathan Belknap
Myrta Belknap’s great uncle, who was nearly a victim of Holmes while also being a financial target.
Minnie Williams
The third wife of Holmes, a wealthy woman misled by Holmes and ultimately swindled and murdered.
Icilius “Ned” Conner
A storeowner within Holmes’ complex whose family becomes entangled with Holmes's deadly schemes.
Julia Conner
Ned Conner’s wife, who becomes romantically involved with Holmes, leading to her untimely demise.
Emeline Cigrand
A young stenographer who worked for Holmes, drawn into his deception and eventually disappearing under mysterious circumstances.
Sol Bloom
An entrepreneur responsible for managing and promoting concessions at the Chicago World's Fair.
George Washington Gale Ferris
The engineer who designed the Ferris Wheel for the fair, aiming to introduce a centerpiece that would surpass the Eiffel Tower.
Abraham Gottlieb
Burnham’s chief structural engineer for the fair, who resigns after challenges with building calculations.
Frank Millet
A celebrated painter and close friend of Burnham, responsible for organizing successful special events at the fair.
Carter Henry Harrison
The popular and five-time mayor of Chicago, regarded for his lenient policies and tragic assassination during the fair.
Patrick Eugene Joseph Prendergast
The delusional assassin who killed Mayor Harrison, motivated by misguided beliefs of political appointment.
447
Book • Nonfiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1890s
2003
Adult
18+ years
1170L
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