The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is a meticulously researched nonfiction book that captures the magic of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the darkness of serial killer H.H. Holmes. The book intercuts chapters about the fair's construction and Holmes's crimes, providing a fascinating and sometimes disturbing look at the era.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is a compelling blend of history and true crime. The book meticulously details the construction of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, highlighting the immense challenges and achievements of the architects and workers involved. Simultaneously, it delves into the dark story of H.H. Holmes, a prolific serial killer who used the fair's chaos to his advantage. The narrative intercuts between the fair's progress and Holmes's crimes, creating a gripping and sometimes unsettling read. The book is well-researched, drawing from personal letters, court transcripts, and other historical documents. While the early chapters can feel like a textbook, the story becomes more engaging as it progresses. The book is particularly fascinating for those interested in Chicago's history or the psychology of serial killers.
Quick quotes
The book unfolds primarily with intercutting chapters about what’s happening with the World’s Fair versus what’s happening with Holmes as he constructs his own building full of peculiar corridors, soundproof rooms, and traps… and then carries out his own dark plans.
This was during a day and age when people just didn’t ask questions like they do today. There was little city or government oversight into citizen’s activities.
Larson clearly did a lot of research to write this book. He used personal letters, court transcripts, meeting notes, news articles and interviews, and journals to unfurl the story of the World’s Fair and Holmes’s crimes in a style that feels almost novelistic at times.