murder, magic and madness at the fair that changed America
Erik Larson: The devil in the White City (2003, Doubleday)
447 pages
English language
Published Nov. 10, 2003 by Doubleday.
From back cover: Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson's spell-binding 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.
To one side, the main architect of the Columbian Exposition that would top the Paris World Fair where the Eiffel tower was introduced. To the other, a sociopathic killer taking advantage on the growing numbers of young single women looking both independence and work in Chicago. A gripping story.
It seems everyone read this when I lived in Chicago except me, but the true crime hook turned me off then. Turns out it's mostly about architecture and temporary facades of respectability, and engagingly told as popular history. Satisfyingly travel-back-in-time-to-Chicago.
