What do you think?
Rate this book
The World's Columbian Exposition: The Chicago World's Fair of 1893
This exceptional chronicle takes readers on a visual tour of the glittering "white city" that emerged along the swampy south shore of Lake Michigan as a symbol of Chicago's rebirth and pride twenty-two years after the Great Fire.
The World's Columbian Exposition, which commemorated the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage to America, was held from April to October in 1893. The monumental event welcomed twenty-eight million visitors, covered six hundred acres of land, boasted dozens of architectural wonders, and was home to some sixty-five thousand exhibits from all over the world. From far and wide, people came to experience the splendors of the fair, to witness the magic sparkle of electric lights or ride the world's first Ferris wheel, known as the Eiffel Tower of Chicago.
Norman Bolotin and Christine Laing have assembled a dazzling photographic history of the fair. Here are panoramic views of the concourse--replete with waterways and gondolas, the amazing moving sidewalk, masterful landscaping and horticultural splendors–-and reproductions of ads, flyers, souvenirs, and keepsakes. Here too are the grand structures erected solely for the fair, from the golden doorway of the Transportation Building to the aquariums and ponds of the Fisheries Building, as well as details such as menu prices, the cost to rent a Kodak camera, and injury and arrest reports from the Columbian Guard.
This unique volume tells the story of the World's Columbian Exposition from its conception and construction to the scientific, architectural, and cultural legacies it left behind, inviting readers to imagine what it would have been like to spend a week at the fair.
The World's Columbian Exposition, which commemorated the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage to America, was held from April to October in 1893. The monumental event welcomed twenty-eight million visitors, covered six hundred acres of land, boasted dozens of architectural wonders, and was home to some sixty-five thousand exhibits from all over the world. From far and wide, people came to experience the splendors of the fair, to witness the magic sparkle of electric lights or ride the world's first Ferris wheel, known as the Eiffel Tower of Chicago.
Norman Bolotin and Christine Laing have assembled a dazzling photographic history of the fair. Here are panoramic views of the concourse--replete with waterways and gondolas, the amazing moving sidewalk, masterful landscaping and horticultural splendors–-and reproductions of ads, flyers, souvenirs, and keepsakes. Here too are the grand structures erected solely for the fair, from the golden doorway of the Transportation Building to the aquariums and ponds of the Fisheries Building, as well as details such as menu prices, the cost to rent a Kodak camera, and injury and arrest reports from the Columbian Guard.
This unique volume tells the story of the World's Columbian Exposition from its conception and construction to the scientific, architectural, and cultural legacies it left behind, inviting readers to imagine what it would have been like to spend a week at the fair.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
4 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 15, 2015
Absolutely fascinating! I've viewed and read or scanned about 3-4 other Columbian Exposition books and apparently have seen/read them in the right order. The others offered great photos and descriptions of the overall fair and major buildings including touching on some of the construction and destruction of the fair. Then I scanned and read excerpts from the Chicago Day book which provided more graphics, background and some delightful perspectives from the view of the amateur photographer and fair attendees.
Following those with this book was "right on". This book provides significant text about different aspects of the fair with some selected focus topics such as the Women's Building and their role at the fair and in society, the changing climate and so on. Much more information on the Children's Building and what was available for children's entertainment including nanny services. Fair planners had greatly underestimated the desire for nanny services by fair-goers, which is interesting.
The provision of the general and odd statistics of the Columbian guard was interesting. Considering the throngs of people that attended, the fires and accidents and so on, these numbers seem unbelievably tame compared to today.
This is not a "coffee table" book of photos with the general overview. If readers are looking for that format, they should look at books by Lewis and Applebaum. If one enjoys history and is really interested in the details of how the fair came together and was planned and executed, this is a straightforward and yet simplistic read. "Mechanical" and architectural details regarding the ferris wheel and required construction materials statistics and so on are included, without over-focusing on those aspects.
I would like to read this book word-for-word again.
Following those with this book was "right on". This book provides significant text about different aspects of the fair with some selected focus topics such as the Women's Building and their role at the fair and in society, the changing climate and so on. Much more information on the Children's Building and what was available for children's entertainment including nanny services. Fair planners had greatly underestimated the desire for nanny services by fair-goers, which is interesting.
The provision of the general and odd statistics of the Columbian guard was interesting. Considering the throngs of people that attended, the fires and accidents and so on, these numbers seem unbelievably tame compared to today.
This is not a "coffee table" book of photos with the general overview. If readers are looking for that format, they should look at books by Lewis and Applebaum. If one enjoys history and is really interested in the details of how the fair came together and was planned and executed, this is a straightforward and yet simplistic read. "Mechanical" and architectural details regarding the ferris wheel and required construction materials statistics and so on are included, without over-focusing on those aspects.
I would like to read this book word-for-word again.
October 31, 2021
Having read Devil in the White City, and taken the Chicago Architecture Center tour of Jackson Park and the Wooded Island, this was an excellent addition to learning more about the fair. The photos, map and descriptions of the buildings, booths and exhibits was excellent.
July 31, 2013
Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City" focused my attention on the 1893 Chicago World's Fair (The World's Columbian Exposition). Prior to reading his book, I had scant knowledge of this vast enterprise and "best fair ever" initially planned in 1890 and carried off magnificently with Congressional support in 1893. So I sought out pictorial book of the "Fair" with explanatory narrative. This book by Norman Rolotin was comprehensive and illuminating.
With Daniel Burnham, an architect, as its chief designer, organizer and overseer, the 1893 Chicago World's Fair eclipsed by far the Paris Exhibition of 1888 and perhaps all other world fairs prior to and since. Situated on hundreds of acres in Jackson Park on Lake Michigan, its central features focused on very large exposition buildings designed by some of America's greatest architects of the day. Each building had a theme (ie., Administration, Agriculture, Anthropology, Electricity, Fine Arts, Fisheries, Forestry, Horticulture, Machinery, Manufacturers and Liberal Arts, Mines and Mining, Transportation, Woman's, etc.) together with numerous other exhibit halls. Each state and many countries had spaces for buildings or exhibits available to them. The landscape by itself was a marvel. It was designed by Frederick Olmstead (perhaps the premier landscape designer of the day). Majestic inlets from Lake Michigan, lagoons, ponds and other waterways surrounded the buildings and walkways. Rolling knolls dotted with profusions of trees, shrubbery, flowers and lawns enhanced the beauty of the exhibition. Replicas of ships (among them, Columbus' Nina, Pinta and Santa Marie) were featured.
For some time the promoters searched in vain for the right novelty which would eclipse the Eiffel Tower which predominated the Paris Fair of 1888. Finally, a man named Ferris stepped forward with a unique but outlandish concept: a large rotating wheel supporting 36 cages (each the size of a bus which would carrying up to 80 people), supported and propelled by a central revolving axel (a steel cylinder weighing 46 tons) powered by steam, and rising 264 feet into the air would provide entertaining rides for visitors with brave hearts. It became the first Ferris Wheel and captivated the hearts and minds of the visitors.
With the primitive technology and construction techniques available in the early 1890s, it miraculous that such a grandiose exhibition could be constructed and carried off. Yet it was, and 27.5 million people attended during the spring, summer and early fall months of 1893. It was a magnificent undertaking and witnessed to the world of the capability and daring of American ingenuity.
With Daniel Burnham, an architect, as its chief designer, organizer and overseer, the 1893 Chicago World's Fair eclipsed by far the Paris Exhibition of 1888 and perhaps all other world fairs prior to and since. Situated on hundreds of acres in Jackson Park on Lake Michigan, its central features focused on very large exposition buildings designed by some of America's greatest architects of the day. Each building had a theme (ie., Administration, Agriculture, Anthropology, Electricity, Fine Arts, Fisheries, Forestry, Horticulture, Machinery, Manufacturers and Liberal Arts, Mines and Mining, Transportation, Woman's, etc.) together with numerous other exhibit halls. Each state and many countries had spaces for buildings or exhibits available to them. The landscape by itself was a marvel. It was designed by Frederick Olmstead (perhaps the premier landscape designer of the day). Majestic inlets from Lake Michigan, lagoons, ponds and other waterways surrounded the buildings and walkways. Rolling knolls dotted with profusions of trees, shrubbery, flowers and lawns enhanced the beauty of the exhibition. Replicas of ships (among them, Columbus' Nina, Pinta and Santa Marie) were featured.
For some time the promoters searched in vain for the right novelty which would eclipse the Eiffel Tower which predominated the Paris Fair of 1888. Finally, a man named Ferris stepped forward with a unique but outlandish concept: a large rotating wheel supporting 36 cages (each the size of a bus which would carrying up to 80 people), supported and propelled by a central revolving axel (a steel cylinder weighing 46 tons) powered by steam, and rising 264 feet into the air would provide entertaining rides for visitors with brave hearts. It became the first Ferris Wheel and captivated the hearts and minds of the visitors.
With the primitive technology and construction techniques available in the early 1890s, it miraculous that such a grandiose exhibition could be constructed and carried off. Yet it was, and 27.5 million people attended during the spring, summer and early fall months of 1893. It was a magnificent undertaking and witnessed to the world of the capability and daring of American ingenuity.
February 17, 2013
Although the full-page photographs are a nice touch, the majority of the book reads like a list of exhibits and attractions rather than spending any significant amount of time on the lasting legacy of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. While informative as to what one might have expected to find on the grounds of the World's Fair, it includes limited analysis or context. The two authors' views of the fair are hyperbolic and grandiose. A better account of the fair would have given more time to discuss all aspects of it, including its detractors. Instead, all mentions of fire damage and danger are confined to the brief epilogue.
Despite my reaction to the authors' overly positive portrayal of the fair, I still think I would have enjoyed a visit there. It reminds me of Epcot (sometimes referred to as a Permanent World's Fair) in Disney World.
Despite my reaction to the authors' overly positive portrayal of the fair, I still think I would have enjoyed a visit there. It reminds me of Epcot (sometimes referred to as a Permanent World's Fair) in Disney World.
October 31, 2017
I remember my paternal grandmother telling me about her memories as a little girl in 1893 and her astonishment when she saw the amazing wonders of cutting edge technology both present and future that were showcased along The Midway in Chicago.
We even have a ticket stub from that event for partial provenance.
This book reignited my own youthful memories that I probably didn't attach much import to when she reminisced in my young presence. She tried to explain to her precocious grandson why the exhibits (nothing special to my inexperienced eyes) were so awesome back then. Reading this book might not resonate with you but for me it brought back many memories of my beloved "Gran".
We even have a ticket stub from that event for partial provenance.
This book reignited my own youthful memories that I probably didn't attach much import to when she reminisced in my young presence. She tried to explain to her precocious grandson why the exhibits (nothing special to my inexperienced eyes) were so awesome back then. Reading this book might not resonate with you but for me it brought back many memories of my beloved "Gran".
November 17, 2021
This was comprehensive and so interesting. I loved all the photos!!
June 10, 2009
it came in the mail today! yay! i'm totally excited!
i had fun reading this book. i'm really glad i read this one last, after a month of researching the "white city." this book would have been extremely boring if i had not had some prior knowledge of fairs, public memory of the fair, the purpose behind many aspects of the fair, and the influence it had on the nation and future fairs for decades afterwards. i can't get too mad, bolotin and laing (yes there are two authors) did state at the beginning that their purpose of their book wasn't to add more or new knowledge to what we know about this fair, it was to try to recreate the fair for modern audiences. at times, the book reads as a long list with splashes of diary entries, pictures of the fair and people at the fair, as well as items found at the fair.
by the end of the book, i wanted to get into a time machine and go to the fair. but it wasn't because of their "week at the fair" section, which in my opinion was poorly put together. this was the section where bolotin and laing could have really dove in and created new memories: describe some of the exhibits! don't tell me that because there was no typical tourist path and that the only way to do this section is a general overview/path. if that was your game plan, don't put it in your book! this book had the potential of being much longer than what it was, i and wish that it was.
so, with all of these complaints, why still rate it at five stars? well, what this book does that none of the other books was bring the fair to life. i was so excited to see the scale of the buildings, witness how striking it is to see only white buildings on the waterfront, see the variety of displays, see how enormous the first ferris wheel was... i still get excited just thinking about what all was at the fair. another thing laing and bolotin did well was put in items that this fair didn't start, or was the first at, but had items that were still considered unique like aquariums, jewelery displays, and art exhibits.
this book makes a good addition to any collection on world fairs, as well as could make a great coffee table history book. it's not full of historian jargon, theories of conspiracies, but has lovely pictures of the fair as well as descriptions of what was there.
i had fun reading this book. i'm really glad i read this one last, after a month of researching the "white city." this book would have been extremely boring if i had not had some prior knowledge of fairs, public memory of the fair, the purpose behind many aspects of the fair, and the influence it had on the nation and future fairs for decades afterwards. i can't get too mad, bolotin and laing (yes there are two authors) did state at the beginning that their purpose of their book wasn't to add more or new knowledge to what we know about this fair, it was to try to recreate the fair for modern audiences. at times, the book reads as a long list with splashes of diary entries, pictures of the fair and people at the fair, as well as items found at the fair.
by the end of the book, i wanted to get into a time machine and go to the fair. but it wasn't because of their "week at the fair" section, which in my opinion was poorly put together. this was the section where bolotin and laing could have really dove in and created new memories: describe some of the exhibits! don't tell me that because there was no typical tourist path and that the only way to do this section is a general overview/path. if that was your game plan, don't put it in your book! this book had the potential of being much longer than what it was, i and wish that it was.
so, with all of these complaints, why still rate it at five stars? well, what this book does that none of the other books was bring the fair to life. i was so excited to see the scale of the buildings, witness how striking it is to see only white buildings on the waterfront, see the variety of displays, see how enormous the first ferris wheel was... i still get excited just thinking about what all was at the fair. another thing laing and bolotin did well was put in items that this fair didn't start, or was the first at, but had items that were still considered unique like aquariums, jewelery displays, and art exhibits.
this book makes a good addition to any collection on world fairs, as well as could make a great coffee table history book. it's not full of historian jargon, theories of conspiracies, but has lovely pictures of the fair as well as descriptions of what was there.
January 17, 2011
This book was great! So I've become a little obessessed with the World's Fair after finishing the 'Devil in the White City.' I find to be a perfect companion for the fair info. anyone is interested in knowing. I will admit that the detailed area of the states and countries section is a little long but I still appreciate having the further detail--I wish we still had fairs!
The only thing this book is lacking is detailed photographs--I just want to see it all! But I understand photographs were an up and coming thing in those days so I guess we'll just have to leave some things to the imagination.
The only thing this book is lacking is detailed photographs--I just want to see it all! But I understand photographs were an up and coming thing in those days so I guess we'll just have to leave some things to the imagination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2013
Having grown up in Chicago, I found this book and its photographs very interesting. Although very little is left of the Columbian Exposition, except for the Museum of Science and Industry building, this remarkable display is still remembered in the city. Despite all our modern technology, no exhibition today could compare with the splendor of this display.
April 26, 2015
Breezy overview of the fair. A bit dry maybe. Still, gives a good sense of what it was like, with lots of illustrations. The exhibition must have been a glorious sight for its few months. Marvelous architecture and sculpture (before the advent of hideous modernity), and a time when Americans could be proud of themselves and their accomplishments without wallowing in tiresome guilt.
August 14, 2025
A fun revisit to what must have been a remarkable place. This makes a great companion to "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson, one of my favorite books. I reread this every time I reread Erik's masterpiece.
August 4, 2008
This was a fun, easy overview of the Exposition. I especially enjoyed the description of an example week at the fair!
August 2, 2009
If you read The Devil in the White City and loved it, you will be interested in learning more about the fair and this book is great for that.
January 21, 2010
A well written account of the Chicago World's Fair including many facts and photographs!! It made me wish I could have experienced it myself!
June 29, 2011
Fascintating!
December 14, 2014
A great pictorial history of one of Chicago's pivotal historical events.
July 12, 2010
Beautiful pictures.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews