Book Report On The Devil In The White City

The Devil in the White City

Erik Larson’s historical nonfiction book, The Devil in the White City, uses well over one hundred historical sources to piece together a vivid depiction of The World’s Columbian Exposition and the high stakes of its improbable success in the middle of America’s most vice-filled city of opportunity, all the while the infamous “Torture Doctor,” H. H. Holmes, hides in the shadows. Ultimately, the author portrays gilded age America as a place of wonder and terror, of progress and primacy, and of indulgence and poverty.

The Chicago World’s fair was intended to showcase the artistry and refinement of the American population and the worth of Chicago as a leading city in just over three years. Its construction was fraught with peril, including the death of leading architect John Root, the collapse of the manufacture and liberal arts building, the increasingly concerning Panic of 1893, and, most worrisome, the crushing press of time. Meanwhile, through the myriad of misfortunes, a man under the alias of H. H. Holmes arrived and,

Novelties and inventions such as Shredded Wheat, Cracker Jack, and incandescent light bulbs were introduced while renowned individuals like Buffalo Bill, Jane Addams, and Archduke Francis Ferdinand made appearances. However, ticket sales did not really explode until the completion of the first Ferris Wheel by George Ferris. Because of this marvel, the fair drew in a record of 751,026 people in a single day despite impending national panic. But with the beauty of the fair came a burst of vice and crime, including the murders of at least five young women by Holmes in his “murder castle.” As much as Chicago was a city of opportunity, it was easy among the excited crowds and marvelous exhibits to vanish and never be heard from