The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

Erik Larson

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003

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Part 2, Chapters 13-15Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2: “An Awful Fight”

Part 2, Chapter 13 Summary: “Dreadful Things Done by Girls”

New hotels were popping up all over Chicago. Vast shipments of materials arrived in Chicago, along with the famous markswoman Annie Oakley. Bloom composed a melody that became synonymous with the Middle East in American consciousness. The Pygmy expedition was unsuccessful however, its leader Lieutenant Schufeldt was dead, of unclear causes. A slew of visitors to Chicago published articles about the city and its Exposition. Former mayor and editor of the Chicago Times, Harrison, announced in 1892 that he would run for mayor once again. Due to his popularity with the lower classes, in April 1893 Harrison was elected to his fifth term. An enthused Prendergast sent a slew of letters to the great men of the city.

Part 2, Chapter 14 Summary: “The Invitation”

Holmes suggests Minnie invite her sister Anna for a visit.

Part 2, Chapter 15 Summary: “Final Preparations”

The weather in April was ideal, but another four men lost their lives readying the Exposition. In March, Burnham had been honored with a splendid dinner at Madison Square Garden. His mood darkened when the unions threatened to strike so close to the opening. Wavering progress was once again interrupted by a storm. Despite sickness and the incompleteness of the landscaping, Olmsted battled on.