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Epicurus.com - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America
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List Price: $14.95
Our Price: $10.17
Your Save: $ 4.78 ( 32% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Vintage
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 364.15230977311
EAN: 9780375725609
ISBN: 0375725601
Label: Vintage
Manufacturer: Vintage
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 447
Publication Date: 2004-02-10
Publisher: Vintage
Release Date: 2004-02-10
Studio: Vintage
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Editorial Reviews:
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Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson's spellbinding 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.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: Thrilling and Enchanting History
Comment: This book is an exciting and compelling account of of the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. Although it reads like a mystery novel, it is actual history. Two parallel stories run through the book, the account of the planning and success of the fair as well as the activities of a sinister serial killer who preyed upon visitors to the fair. The author is especially adept at bringing out the interesting side stories that intersect with the account of the fair. Highly recommended--especially for fans of history and mysteries.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The beginnings of modern America
Comment: Awesome.
The White City, a neoclassical court of stunning buildings, lit up with the first spotlights. Think of Washington's Mall, but more cozy.
The Black City, Chicago's nickname for its grime, dirt, and violence.
The chaos in Chicago, at a turning point in American civic art and architecture, provided cover for a madman. Holmes built a Black City castle, processing the bodies of his victims like pigs at the stockyards.
A great follow-up would be a history of Chicago in the 1900s, where you watch Burnham and other characters take their Fair concepts and methodically apply them to the city at large. I'm going the other way, reading Homicide.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great bus/el read for commuting to Englewood
Comment: In most serial killer stories, there is something to lead you to believe that some redemption would have been possible. That of H.H. Holmes is a exception. And Larson paints a gruesome tale of how well pure evil can thrive in a distracted city with top to bottom incompetence.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Can't tell what this book is about; The Worlds Fair or H.H. Holmes
Comment: This book is choppy at best. It moves from one subject to the next and does not read through.
I was very dissapointed with this book. If I had known I would of bought the other book on H.H. Holmes!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Remarkable Story of Tragedy in the Shadows of Triumph
Comment: Stories of triumph and tragedy are paralleled in this remarkable book by Erik Larson. I initially picked up this book because of an interest in Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. The coverage of Burnham was fascinating and I also found myself quickly absorbed in the suspenseful drama of H.H. Holmes. The long shadows cast by the creation of the Fair provide cover for the sinister activities of a polite professional predator. This book took me on contrasting journeys of wonder and contempt for the people encountered along the way. Larson intricately builds a remarkable portrait of Chicago in the late 19th century. He skillfully includes enough historical anecdotes to open up other avenues for exploration as well. If you have an appreciation for architecture, history, or just a good true crime story, this is a book to savor.
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