Sunshine and Light

"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

You will never read a better-written history book than this one. “The Devil in the White City” is the story of the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. It starts from the moment the congress gave Chicago the World’s Fair over NY City in 1890 until the magical run of the World’s Fair. The tale follows two men. First there are the woes and tribulations of Daniel Burnham who did the yeoman’s work of making the fair come to life, despite numerous obstacles. Along the way there are the illnesses of Frederick Law Olmstead, already in his 70s, the death of a beloved partner, the political infighting, the bad weather, an economic downturn, and the short time frame. Yet they managed to produce a miracle. The White City was the world’s fair grounds eventually produced by the greatest architects of the time in a mere 3 years. The devil was H.H. Holmes a charming serial-killer, who ran the “World’s Fair hotel” upstairs and the gas chamber downstairs. Throughout all of it weaves the feel of the times – names already famous at the time, and names who became famous in part because of the World’s Fair, products that were introduced and fabulous new inventions. And best of all to leaven the mix is plenty of humor.

It’s an easy, educational, and entertaining read. Pick it up.

Labels: Books

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