false 497225 44112 21996 0739303406 9780739303405 4291 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167325045m/21996.jpg http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167325045s/21996.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21996.The_Devil_in_the_White_City_Murder_Magic_and_Madness_at_the_Fair_that_Changed_America 3.89 25115 Erik Larson imbues the incredible events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with such drama that readers may find themselves checking the book's categorization to be sure that The Devil in the White City is not, in fact, a highly imaginative novel. Larson tells the stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. Burnham's challenge was immense. In a short period of time, he was forced to overcome the death of his partner and numerous other obstacles to construct the famous "White City" around which the fair was built. His efforts to complete the project, and the fair's incredible success, are skillfully related along with entertaining appearances by such notables as Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, and Thomas Edison. The activities of the sinister Dr. Holmes, who is believed to be responsible for scores of murders around the time of the fair, are equally remarkable. He devised and erected the World's Fair Hotel, complete with crematorium and gas chamber, near the fairgrounds and used the event as well as his own charismatic personality to lure victims. ]]> 5869 3.86 40914 7536 511298 3.89 25264 4333 2003 4 5 false Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2007 Fri Mar 30 10:44:24 -0700 2007 Wed Dec 16 17:18:30 -0800 2009
I didn't realize this book was non-fiction when I bought it. I bought it because it came recommended from ...more...]]>