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Expositions and World's Fairs: In the Beginning
World's Fairs of the past changed the way we live today.
Imagine stepping into an event where the future was on full display. Tens of millions of people once flocked to World’s Fairs for a glimpse at what would one day be cars, computers, elevators, touchscreens—even air conditioners and zippers.
In Expositions and World’s In the Beginning, discover how these cultural mega-events revolutionized daily life. Beginning with The Great Exhibition in London in 1851, this compelling read takes you behind the scenes of the inventions, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who used these platforms to shape the modern world.
Whether you’re intrigued history of the great exhibitionBreakthroughs in engineering, patents, and industrial marketingThe rise of global advertising and its impact on cultureOr the pivotal role of architecture and technology in public imagination…this book delivers an eye-opening journey through time.
For fans of history of technology, architectural history, and world’s fair history, this is a must-read narrative of how innovation became part of everyday life—and how marketing genius and cultural exchange made it happen.
Imagine stepping into an event where the future was on full display. Tens of millions of people once flocked to World’s Fairs for a glimpse at what would one day be cars, computers, elevators, touchscreens—even air conditioners and zippers.
In Expositions and World’s In the Beginning, discover how these cultural mega-events revolutionized daily life. Beginning with The Great Exhibition in London in 1851, this compelling read takes you behind the scenes of the inventions, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who used these platforms to shape the modern world.
Whether you’re intrigued history of the great exhibitionBreakthroughs in engineering, patents, and industrial marketingThe rise of global advertising and its impact on cultureOr the pivotal role of architecture and technology in public imagination…this book delivers an eye-opening journey through time.
For fans of history of technology, architectural history, and world’s fair history, this is a must-read narrative of how innovation became part of everyday life—and how marketing genius and cultural exchange made it happen.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
11 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Bob McGlincy
4 books10 followersBob McGlincy is co-author of the Amazon best seller, "The Invisible Industry: The Evolution of Trade Shows," the author of the award winning "Expositions & World's Fairs: In the Beginning," and a columnist for Exhibit City News magazine. He is a graduate of Cornell University and attended the Katz School of Business. He's enjoyed a life in the world of experiential marketing and brand architecture. Bob has served on several Boards of Directors including Highland Park Community Corp, Friends of Holmes, Meeting Professionals Intenational, and is on the Advisory Council for the Exhibitions and Events Workforce Development Federation. He lives on a lake on the south shore of Massachusetts.
Bob is a trade show veteran with decades of experience and stories to tell. He commenced his career installing exhibits at convention centers nationwide for I&D, before progressing to executive positions with Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Willwork Global Exhibit Services. "The Invisible Industry" is about the history and economic impact of trade shows. His second book, with over seventy drawings and photos, illustrates how world fairs of the past have changed the way we live today.
Bob is a trade show veteran with decades of experience and stories to tell. He commenced his career installing exhibits at convention centers nationwide for I&D, before progressing to executive positions with Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Willwork Global Exhibit Services. "The Invisible Industry" is about the history and economic impact of trade shows. His second book, with over seventy drawings and photos, illustrates how world fairs of the past have changed the way we live today.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 26, 2025
What impressed me most about McGlincy’s work is the depth of storytelling. His recounting of the Crystal Palace at the Great Exhibition of 1851 is more than a historical description, it feels like witnessing the birth of the modern world. He captures how Britain used that moment not just to display products, but to assert itself as the industrial center of the planet.
The transition from that early Victorian fair to the breathtaking innovations of Chicago 1893 is handled brilliantly. I loved the insight into how the United States, eager to outshine France’s success with the Eiffel Tower, introduced the world’s first Ferris wheel, a mechanical marvel that symbolized national pride. His description of electricity illuminating the “White City” made the atmosphere feel almost magical.
McGlincy’s writing is both educational and atmospheric. He makes the fairs feel like living snapshots of cultural identity, progress, and global relationships.
The transition from that early Victorian fair to the breathtaking innovations of Chicago 1893 is handled brilliantly. I loved the insight into how the United States, eager to outshine France’s success with the Eiffel Tower, introduced the world’s first Ferris wheel, a mechanical marvel that symbolized national pride. His description of electricity illuminating the “White City” made the atmosphere feel almost magical.
McGlincy’s writing is both educational and atmospheric. He makes the fairs feel like living snapshots of cultural identity, progress, and global relationships.
November 28, 2025
McGlincy’s description of the Crystal Palace in 1851 genuinely feels like stepping into the first global showroom of modernity. The moment he shifted to Chicago 1893 — with the debut of the first Ferris wheel, electric lighting, and the ‘White City’ I understood why this fair is still considered a cultural turning point. The depth of research is amazing, but even more impressive is how readable and immersive it all is.
December 20, 2025
On May 1, 1851, the people of Great Britain received a “gift” from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the form of a magnificent exhibition called The World’s Fair, an event meant to celebrate the accomplishments of industry in various fields. In a building called the Crystal Palace, the largest building in the world at the time, the royals and guests who’d purchased VIP passes to be there enjoyed the sight and spectacle of the event. In the new book “Exposition & World’s Fairs: In the Beginning,” author Bob McGlincy traces the historical record of this event, complete with photos taken at that time, as well as quotes from articles in newspapers that covered the event. He also explores how this singular event not only replicated past World’s Fairs (in some form) but spawned the creation of several others throughout the world.
This singular event in Great Britain would spark a similar World’s Fair in the U.S. five years later. Great Britain’s World’s Fair was an event of great spectacle. It celebrated industrial provenance with much fanfare.
As a show, the Exhibition was huge, international, inspiring, breathtaking, unique, enormous, and excessive. The show exceeded all expectations and proved a colossal success. Specifically designed to be a large, international event, it showcased Great Britain as the industrial leader in the production of iron, steel, textiles, and machinery. One of the show’s stated goals was, “Technology is the key to a better future.” This theme would be repeated time and again, playing a prominent role in future Fairs. (Page 7)
This exclusively English event, however, did not just display the works of the English. In fact, it showcased materials from around the world, making it the first exposition in history to do so. It displayed ivory from China, silver from Mexico, and fur from Canada, among other foreign and exotic products. There was much fanfare and celebration that occurred on that day, with just as much fanfare and celebration taking place in the press as reporters wrote all about it. That is a good thing, too, as it provided the author with various sources of material to draw his research and quotes from to present in this book. The quotes from the various articles about this exhibition were a joy to read, capturing a historic event in a way readers would not have otherwise been privy to.
This book is not just a historical exploration of the World’s Fair that took place in Great Britain, but also of similar events, fairs, and expositions that took place before then, as well as at the same time. It was very interesting to read about other events celebrating industry and products.
It was also interesting to read about the people involved in the creation of Great Britain’s own World’s Fair. The brainchild of Queen Victoria and soon the passion project of Prince Albert, Parliament was against the idea of this event, worried it would not only drain the royal funds but also ruin the land on which the event was proposed to take place. The author brings the key players of this event’s creation to life really well in this book, offering just enough information about them and their involvement without rambling or excessive historical background.
The chapter outlining the timeline of the concept and building of the Crystal Palace was also interesting to read. I especially appreciated that photos were included, as well as quotes from articles published in periodicals at the time. During construction of the Palace, a large concern that Parliament had was all of the noise and vibrations causing the glass to shatter, cutting thousands of visitors. Another concern they had was the floor not being structurally sound enough to hold all of those exhibits and people. It was humorous to read about how they tested the durability of the floors.
While I enjoyed reading the brief summaries of other World’s Fairs that followed in other countries, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the chapter about the first World’s Fair to take place in America, in the city of Philadelphia. Other events would later occur in other cities, but this first one really set a precedent for this type of event in this country. It was refreshing to learn that this first World’s Fair also included a Women’s Pavilion, which showcased work created by and for women. And, indeed, showing inventions at the World’s Fair gave the inventors – such as Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison – a boost for their product and greater visibility. With thousands of people in attendance, their inventions received greater notice and contributed to their success.
The World’s Fair spawned the trend of trade shows and expos throughout the world. Thanks to the many successes and technological marvels enjoying a debut at a World’s Fair, businesses thrived, and inventors finally had their day in the sun. As noted on page 145,
World’s Fairs created jobs, attracted tourists, and produced a myriad of other benefits. Host cities gained recognition. Local companies made money. Businesses sold products. Corporations established brands. Countries showcased their culture. People and groups exchanged ideas. Entrepreneurs displayed inventions. And attendees enjoyed the experience of a lifetime.
Bob McGlincy’s Exposition & World’s Fairs: In the Beginning is an informative historical record about how the very first World’s Fair in Great Britain came to be, its many predecessors in history, and the many other World’s Fairs it inspired throughout the world. With photos and quotes from historical records, this book is a must-have for anyone who enjoys reading about history, as well as historical events.
This singular event in Great Britain would spark a similar World’s Fair in the U.S. five years later. Great Britain’s World’s Fair was an event of great spectacle. It celebrated industrial provenance with much fanfare.
As a show, the Exhibition was huge, international, inspiring, breathtaking, unique, enormous, and excessive. The show exceeded all expectations and proved a colossal success. Specifically designed to be a large, international event, it showcased Great Britain as the industrial leader in the production of iron, steel, textiles, and machinery. One of the show’s stated goals was, “Technology is the key to a better future.” This theme would be repeated time and again, playing a prominent role in future Fairs. (Page 7)
This exclusively English event, however, did not just display the works of the English. In fact, it showcased materials from around the world, making it the first exposition in history to do so. It displayed ivory from China, silver from Mexico, and fur from Canada, among other foreign and exotic products. There was much fanfare and celebration that occurred on that day, with just as much fanfare and celebration taking place in the press as reporters wrote all about it. That is a good thing, too, as it provided the author with various sources of material to draw his research and quotes from to present in this book. The quotes from the various articles about this exhibition were a joy to read, capturing a historic event in a way readers would not have otherwise been privy to.
This book is not just a historical exploration of the World’s Fair that took place in Great Britain, but also of similar events, fairs, and expositions that took place before then, as well as at the same time. It was very interesting to read about other events celebrating industry and products.
It was also interesting to read about the people involved in the creation of Great Britain’s own World’s Fair. The brainchild of Queen Victoria and soon the passion project of Prince Albert, Parliament was against the idea of this event, worried it would not only drain the royal funds but also ruin the land on which the event was proposed to take place. The author brings the key players of this event’s creation to life really well in this book, offering just enough information about them and their involvement without rambling or excessive historical background.
The chapter outlining the timeline of the concept and building of the Crystal Palace was also interesting to read. I especially appreciated that photos were included, as well as quotes from articles published in periodicals at the time. During construction of the Palace, a large concern that Parliament had was all of the noise and vibrations causing the glass to shatter, cutting thousands of visitors. Another concern they had was the floor not being structurally sound enough to hold all of those exhibits and people. It was humorous to read about how they tested the durability of the floors.
While I enjoyed reading the brief summaries of other World’s Fairs that followed in other countries, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the chapter about the first World’s Fair to take place in America, in the city of Philadelphia. Other events would later occur in other cities, but this first one really set a precedent for this type of event in this country. It was refreshing to learn that this first World’s Fair also included a Women’s Pavilion, which showcased work created by and for women. And, indeed, showing inventions at the World’s Fair gave the inventors – such as Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison – a boost for their product and greater visibility. With thousands of people in attendance, their inventions received greater notice and contributed to their success.
The World’s Fair spawned the trend of trade shows and expos throughout the world. Thanks to the many successes and technological marvels enjoying a debut at a World’s Fair, businesses thrived, and inventors finally had their day in the sun. As noted on page 145,
World’s Fairs created jobs, attracted tourists, and produced a myriad of other benefits. Host cities gained recognition. Local companies made money. Businesses sold products. Corporations established brands. Countries showcased their culture. People and groups exchanged ideas. Entrepreneurs displayed inventions. And attendees enjoyed the experience of a lifetime.
Bob McGlincy’s Exposition & World’s Fairs: In the Beginning is an informative historical record about how the very first World’s Fair in Great Britain came to be, its many predecessors in history, and the many other World’s Fairs it inspired throughout the world. With photos and quotes from historical records, this book is a must-have for anyone who enjoys reading about history, as well as historical events.
November 25, 2025
Bob McGlincy’s book is far more than a historical catalog, it’s a guided walk through the dreams, failures, and innovations that shaped our modern world. The section on the Great Exhibition of 1851 was mesmerizing; he brings the Crystal Palace to life in a way that feels cinematic. You can almost hear the hum of machinery and the chatter of visitors encountering global technology for the first time.
But what truly impressed me was how he ties each exposition to broader global events. His chapter on the Chicago 1893 Columbian Exposition doesn’t just describe the “White City, it explains how electricity, architecture, and global competition collided to create one of the most influential fairs ever held. The detail that the Ferris wheel debuted there, intentionally designed to rival the Eiffel Tower, is presented with such enthusiasm that you can’t help but smile.
McGlincy also excels at highlighting lesser-known moments, like the Honolulu exposition’s surprising cultural value, or how Paris 1900 introduced moving sidewalks and early motion film. This is not dry history, it’s a tribute to the human imagination.
But what truly impressed me was how he ties each exposition to broader global events. His chapter on the Chicago 1893 Columbian Exposition doesn’t just describe the “White City, it explains how electricity, architecture, and global competition collided to create one of the most influential fairs ever held. The detail that the Ferris wheel debuted there, intentionally designed to rival the Eiffel Tower, is presented with such enthusiasm that you can’t help but smile.
McGlincy also excels at highlighting lesser-known moments, like the Honolulu exposition’s surprising cultural value, or how Paris 1900 introduced moving sidewalks and early motion film. This is not dry history, it’s a tribute to the human imagination.
November 26, 2025
I went into this book expecting a general overview. What I got was an incredibly thoughtful exploration of how expositions have shaped entire cities and influenced world culture. McGlincy paints Paris 1889 and the construction of the Eiffel Tower with a level of detail that made me appreciate just how controversial, even hated, the structure originally was. That context made its later transformation into an icon even more powerful.
His coverage of Brussels 1958 was another highlight. The Atomium, which I’d always seen as just an interesting piece of architecture, is revealed as a bold symbol of postwar optimism in the atomic age. McGlincy contextualizes it beautifully within Cold War anxieties and hopes.
Even more impressive is the author’s ability to balance the positive and negative. He doesn’t shy away from the problematic aspects of some early fairs, including the colonial and cultural displays that misrepresented entire groups of people. But he addresses them with honesty and clarity, ensuring the reader understands both their historical significance and their ethical implications.
His coverage of Brussels 1958 was another highlight. The Atomium, which I’d always seen as just an interesting piece of architecture, is revealed as a bold symbol of postwar optimism in the atomic age. McGlincy contextualizes it beautifully within Cold War anxieties and hopes.
Even more impressive is the author’s ability to balance the positive and negative. He doesn’t shy away from the problematic aspects of some early fairs, including the colonial and cultural displays that misrepresented entire groups of people. But he addresses them with honesty and clarity, ensuring the reader understands both their historical significance and their ethical implications.
November 25, 2025
This book left me stunned at how much of modern life traces back to expositions. McGlincy reminds us that world’s fairs introduced (or popularized) inventions like the dishwasher, the zipper, television, early computers, the fax machine, and even beloved foods like ice cream cones and Dr Pepper.
But what I appreciated most is that he doesn’t just list these inventions, he tells their stories. The idea that a single fair, St. Louis 1904, introduced over 200 new foods and cultural experiences is almost unbelievable, yet McGlincy turns facts like that into engaging narratives.
His section on Expo ’67 in Montréal was particularly beautiful. Described as one of the greatest expositions of the 20th century, he explains why it succeeded so magnificently, the architecture, the internationalism, the optimism toward the future. His description of Habitat 67 alone was worth the read, illustrating how a bold architectural experiment became a signature piece of Canadian identity.
But what I appreciated most is that he doesn’t just list these inventions, he tells their stories. The idea that a single fair, St. Louis 1904, introduced over 200 new foods and cultural experiences is almost unbelievable, yet McGlincy turns facts like that into engaging narratives.
His section on Expo ’67 in Montréal was particularly beautiful. Described as one of the greatest expositions of the 20th century, he explains why it succeeded so magnificently, the architecture, the internationalism, the optimism toward the future. His description of Habitat 67 alone was worth the read, illustrating how a bold architectural experiment became a signature piece of Canadian identity.
November 26, 2025
This book is overflowing with fascinating insights about how expos influenced everyday life. I had no idea how many inventions were introduced at fairs: the telephone, dishwasher, fluorescent lights, television, zipper, fax machine, and even foods like the ice cream cone at St. Louis 1904. McGlincy doesn’t just mention these inventions, he explains how they were showcased, who saw them first, and how the public reacted.
The chapter on Shanghai 2010, with its staggering 73 million visitors, was a brilliant way to show how world’s fairs have evolved from ornate 19th-century displays to massive global gatherings emphasizing environmental design, sustainability, and future-focused architecture.
I also appreciated the global context he provides, how fairs reflected nationalism, industrial rivalry, cultural exchange, and even geopolitical tensions. It made the book feel like a complete, sweeping journey through the evolution of human progress.
The chapter on Shanghai 2010, with its staggering 73 million visitors, was a brilliant way to show how world’s fairs have evolved from ornate 19th-century displays to massive global gatherings emphasizing environmental design, sustainability, and future-focused architecture.
I also appreciated the global context he provides, how fairs reflected nationalism, industrial rivalry, cultural exchange, and even geopolitical tensions. It made the book feel like a complete, sweeping journey through the evolution of human progress.
October 29, 2025
Arthur C Clarke once wrote: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
Long before smartphones and the internet, World's Fairs showcased the future with fanfare and fireworks. From elevators, computers, telephones and televisions to air conditioners, dishwashers, light switches and zippers, countless inventions we take for granted today were introduced to wide-eyed spectators at these once-in-a-lifetime events.
Journey to the beginning of the Golden Age of Expositions. Walk alongside Queen Victoria, Joseph Paxton, Napolean III, Thomas Edison and others. Discover why tens of millions of people travelled from around the globe to attend a single event and how World's Fairs of the past changed the way we live today.
Long before smartphones and the internet, World's Fairs showcased the future with fanfare and fireworks. From elevators, computers, telephones and televisions to air conditioners, dishwashers, light switches and zippers, countless inventions we take for granted today were introduced to wide-eyed spectators at these once-in-a-lifetime events.
Journey to the beginning of the Golden Age of Expositions. Walk alongside Queen Victoria, Joseph Paxton, Napolean III, Thomas Edison and others. Discover why tens of millions of people travelled from around the globe to attend a single event and how World's Fairs of the past changed the way we live today.
November 26, 2025
One of the strongest parts of this book is the attention McGlincy gives to architectural legacies. The Eiffel Tower, Space Needle, Crystal Palace, Habitat 67, and Atomium are examined not only as structures but as reflections of the era that birthed them.
I especially loved his exploration of Montréal’s Expo ’67, which he describes as a “masterpiece of modernism.” His explanation of why it’s remembered as one of the greatest fairs, the national pavilions, the bold use of modernist geometry, the cultural pride Canada projected, was fascinating. He ties architecture to emotion, politics, and identity in a way few historians manage to do.
The discussion of how fairs influence long-term urban development, such as Seattle’s skyline after 1962, gave the book unexpected depth.
I especially loved his exploration of Montréal’s Expo ’67, which he describes as a “masterpiece of modernism.” His explanation of why it’s remembered as one of the greatest fairs, the national pavilions, the bold use of modernist geometry, the cultural pride Canada projected, was fascinating. He ties architecture to emotion, politics, and identity in a way few historians manage to do.
The discussion of how fairs influence long-term urban development, such as Seattle’s skyline after 1962, gave the book unexpected depth.
November 27, 2025
Bob McGlincy’s book made me fall in love with history in a way I didn’t expect. His description of the Crystal Palace in 1851 feels like watching the industrial age take its first real breath. Then the leap into Chicago 1893, with the birth of the Ferris wheel and the electrified “White City,” shows how quickly global ambition escalated. I especially appreciated how he acknowledges the problematic colonial displays in early fairs while still honoring the broader cultural impact. It’s rare to find a history book that’s this honest and this captivating at the same time.
November 27, 2025
The chapters on Montréal 1967 and Osaka 1970 were stunning. McGlincy explains how Expo ’67 became one of the most beloved fairs ever staged and why Japan’s futuristic approach in 1970 symbolized a reborn national identity. His description of the Tower of the Sun actually made me look up pictures immediately, that’s how vivid the writing is. This book is an emotional and architectural journey through time.
November 27, 2025
I loved how McGlincy captured the spirit of Paris 1900, the moving sidewalk, the glowing Palace of Electricity, and the public seeing early film projection for the first time. His writing made the fair feel alive, not like a static chapter in a history textbook. You can sense the excitement of a world racing into modernity.
November 28, 2025
I appreciated how McGlincy never shies away from difficult topics, like the colonial displays of early expos, but still celebrates the massive role fairs played in shaping global exchange. The coverage of Osaka 1970 was my favorite, the futurism, the Tower of the Sun, the optimism of postwar Japan, all described vividly.
November 28, 2025
The country-by-country format is brilliant. Learning why Europe uses raised floors and enclosed designs, while the U.S. prefers open spaces and badge-only entry, instantly cleared up years of confusion I had as a marketer. The section on China’s rapidly expanding venues (like NECC Shanghai) was also an eye-opener.
November 25, 2025
I loved how the book connected world’s fairs to human dreams. That’s really the theme here, ambition, imagination, nations wanting to share their progress. McGlincy captures the spirit behind every expo. Nice work!!
November 25, 2025
A strong, informative, and engaging read. Perfect pacing, rich historical detail, and surprising humor. I closed the book wanting to attend the next world’s fair, whenever and wherever it is. Bob is a passionate writer from this project!
November 25, 2025
If you love history that feels alive, this is for you. McGlincy doesn’t just list dates and facts; he gives context, emotion, and human detail. The stories behind the Eiffel Tower’s construction, and the public outrage at first, were priceless.
November 26, 2025
Loved the section on the 1939 New York World’s Fair. The “World of Tomorrow” theme, General Motors’ Futurama, and the emphasis on a hopeful, modern future felt strangely comforting today. McGlincy writes about it with true admiration.
November 26, 2025
The Barcelona 1888 and 1929 coverage was fantastic. The details about how those expositions shaped Catalonian identity, especially the architecture, really stuck with me. Very impressive!
November 27, 2025
A surprisingly joyful read. I never knew how many everyday items, the zipper, fax machine, and even ice cream cones, debuted at world’s fairs. McGlincy makes every expo feel like a turning point.
November 26, 2025
The chapter on Montréal Expo ’67 might be the most compelling. He explains how its success came not only from architectural ingenuity (like Moshe Safdie’s Habitat 67) but from the cultural pride of Canadians showcasing a modern, forward-looking nation to the world. His narrative about the Cold War-era pavilions, each nation displaying its ideals through design, adds depth I rarely see in exposition literature.
McGlincy also excels at showing how expos influenced global culture far beyond architecture. The invention highlights, the dishwasher, X-ray, color TV, fluorescent lighting, moving walkways, neon signage, reminded me how many everyday technologies were once world-changing surprises debuted on exposition floors.
This is not just a book for history lovers, it is for anyone who wants to understand how optimism, design, politics, and culture intersected to shape the world we live in today.
McGlincy also excels at showing how expos influenced global culture far beyond architecture. The invention highlights, the dishwasher, X-ray, color TV, fluorescent lighting, moving walkways, neon signage, reminded me how many everyday technologies were once world-changing surprises debuted on exposition floors.
This is not just a book for history lovers, it is for anyone who wants to understand how optimism, design, politics, and culture intersected to shape the world we live in today.
November 26, 2025
This book exceeded my expectations. I loved the way McGlincy balances major fairs like Paris 1889, New York 1939, and Osaka 1970 with smaller, lesser-known expositions. His ability to connect inventions like the zipper, the fax machine, and ice cream cones to the cultural moment of each fair made the history feel alive. The storytelling around Brussels 1958 and the Atomium was particularly beautiful, a symbol of scientific hope in a nervous atomic age. Clear writing, great pacing, and tons of “wow, I didn’t know that” moments.
November 26, 2025
McGlincy has an extraordinary gift for making you feel the atmosphere of each expo. His treatment of Chicago 1893 is wonderfully dynamic, from the introduction of the Ferris Wheel to the electrified “White City,” he captures why this fair became a defining moment in American identity. I loved the detail about how Chicago wanted to outshine Paris’s Eiffel Tower and challenged engineers to “build something taller.” That competitive spirit still radiates off the page.
November 25, 2025
A surprisingly fascinating read. I didn’t realize how many life-changing inventions debuted at world’s fairs, from the Ferris wheel to the fax machine. McGlincy writes with such clarity that even the 19th-century fairs feel alive and modern. Great Book for every reader!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews