This is an accurate account of the task set before Chicago and it's architects to show the world that they could build a World's Fair within a short period of time. It is absolutely intriguing at every step of it progress and the lives of the people that helped bring this major event happen. It also brings to light all the products and inventions that the world still benefits from today. It tells the story of a diabolical, smooth talking murderer who used this opportunity to kill mass amounts of people for his enjoyment and profit. Many of his victims were lured to Chicago by the hopes of employment, adventure and possibilities. It is a book that you can not put down!! Great author. This is the second book that I have read by Erik Larson and he is an exceptional author who brings to light well researched history.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a story that is well written and actually fun to read! This is more a history book made into story form. There is no plot as the theme follows the history line of actual facts. The facts and points of interest are wondrous and simply staggering. All of which make this read that more enjoyable. Furthermore, adding this book to your library, for future reference, can actually make your library worthy of showing off. It will be a constant source of confirmation to one's sense of being educated. Eric Larson (the author) has written several books in a like manner but I have not actually read them. However, if "The Devil..." is any indication of the level & amount of enjoyment available, then the series is a year's worth of entertainment waiting to be explored!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is the 2nd time I’ve purchased this book after my dog mistook it for a chew toy. But will be the 3rd time I’ve read it. Why? Because it’s amazing. The writer mixes fiction and history so wonderfully you forget it is a story about a horrible man doing horrible things but yet also a story about the making of an enchanted city of years gone past. Makes me wish I was born 80 years earlier. And for the price vs purchasing new ..... it’s a wonderful deal
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you are looking for a book just about the 1893 Chicago World‘s Fair *or* just about a serial killer, this isn’t it. The book recounts how the fair came about as well as a gruesome history of a madman. There is great detail in both stories. I really enjoyed this book ( I like history). The book made me search eBay for more artifacts from that era which I happily found. The book is compelling and not difficult to read. Should have been made into a movie.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Describes the Chicago Columbian Exhibition (world's fari) and includes parallel chapters of mass murderer H.H.Holmes. The world's fair featured beautiful buildings and landscape including canals and islands, and the first mass demonstration of electric lighting, Holmes murdered using gruesome measures. His body count, impossible to pinpoint, was between 29 and 200, mostly young women. He did them in at his personal chamber of horrors.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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