Michael Bowler

Michael Bowler asked Erik Larson:

I am really looking forward to reading your new book. The Lusitania has always fascinated me, though not as much as Titanic. One of my favorite books ever is The Devil in the White City. Did you spend time Chicago visiting the sites and locations when you did research, and where did you find all the minute details about the creation of the White City and the series of murders that transpired during the fair?

Erik Larson I spent a lot of time in Chicago, and really got to know the city (and a couple of bars). The Chicago Historical Society has an amazing trove of materials on the city and on the world's fair; the Art Institute had the day-to-day correspondence of Burnham's office--which was invaluable. Holmes, meanwhile, left behind a book and numerous confessions, as well as testimony in his trial. And the news coverage that followed the revelations about his "horror hotel" was incredible.

More Answered Questions

Bailey Poolman

Bailey Poolman asked Erik Larson:

I've read several of your books, and I thoroughly enjoy your writing style and the stories you're able to weave. How did you discover you like writing about history, and what is it about history writing that kept you hooked? Have you considered writing fiction, or breaking into any other genres?

Stephen

Stephen asked Erik Larson:

I'm a big fan of your books (have read Isaac's Storm, Devil in the White City and In the Garden of Beasts) - love the way that they take you back into the time as if you were there yourself. Wondered which were your own favourite authors (fiction or non-fiction)and whether there were any that influenced your own writing ?

John

John asked Erik Larson:

I've read Devil, Beasts and Isaac's and really enjoyed and recommend all the time. I forgot about Thunderstruck and will add to list along with Lusitania. How do you come up with your topics? They seem pretty diverse. Do you stumble across a news item or other writing and decide to dig in further? A history buff? And how long is your current list of books to write? Keep them coming, please.

All answers from Erik Larson…

69,724 followers

To ask Erik Larson a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions