The Devil in the White City Summary | Erik Larson | BookRags.com

by BookRags.com

Devil in the White City takes two actual stories that occur in Chicago in the late 1880s and the early 1890s and meshes them together. The story of the White City enhances the story of the Devil that found contentment within its walls.

The Devil in the White Murder, Magic and Madness in the Fair That Changed America Study Guide consists of approx. 70 pages of summaries and analysis on The Devil in the White Murder, Magic and Madness in the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson. This study guide includes the following Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Crime, American, Architecture, Audiobook, Book Club

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2010

Reviews

[Ted Donley]

The Devil in the White City is an interesting story in the way that the author alternates the plot lines between the cereal kiler, Holmes, and the architecte of the World's Fair, Burnham. The way the author describes the two drastically different characters allows the reader to understand what makes these characers similar. One reason to read The Devil in the White City would be that it's simply all around a good book. The book is entertaining and rarely leaves the reader boerd or uninterested. The book also depicts the American culture of the 1890s better than even contemporary books. The alternation between the two plots, while interesting, is slightly frustrating. Both plots are well written and interessting but they stand in the way of eachother.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was born in Chicago, and knew the clichéd history, like Mrs. O'Leary and the cow that caused the great fire. But Erik Larson gave me a whole new picture of the city's history. And pretty deft how he mixed the exposition history with his devious murderer.

[Susan Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tour de force, but what else would you expect from Erik Larson.

[LibraryLady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preparations for the World's Fair in Chicago 1892-1893, which include construction of an entire city on an increasingly difficult timetable, contrast with a meticulous murderer's dark plans to lure women to his hotel.

[Mollie]

Excellent book about the development of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair interwoven with the dark story of a serial killer. Very entertaining and I enjoyed learning about all the inventions still in use today that were first introduced at that fair!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story and very interesting facts about Chicago and the Exposition. I loved how it was intertwined with the true story about Holmes. It was a tad bit dry on the architecture end but worth it for the knowledge and great writing.

[Darlene Emanuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into this book but glad I finished it.
I normally do not read non fiction books so I think that might be why
it took a bit to get into. But I learned a lot of things that I didn't realize
that the Chicago World's Fair introduced us to.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read. Larson's word pictures are captivating.

[Sandy Leinhos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Very captivating!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Wonderful detail about the creation of the fair and life in the late 1800s. So glad I live today.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many interesting details about Chicago in the late 1890s, with an interwoven story of a mass murderer living right near the World's Fair.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a blend of information and suspense.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's historical fiction at it's best. If you're planning a trip to Chicago, this is a definite read!!

[Matt Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about a piece of history that I never knew about.

[Kathleen Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a non fiction book about the World Fair and also about H.H.Holmes who was a serial killer.
Interesting read with lots of facts.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book...Left me with lots of questions, but mostly because it is true, so some people don't want their story out there...

[Natalie Iwanowicz]

Starting to read this book. My boss recommended it.,so far a good read!!

[Curt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a bit slow in the beginning, but well worth completing.

[Peter Bismuti · Rating 4 out of 5]

creepier than any fictional story. An historical "silence of the lambs". very good non-fiction. slow start is worth it.

[Robert Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

good novel with great insight into the design and construction of the 1892 Chicago World fair with a deranged but likable serial killer roaming the city

[Susan Fichter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Historically accurate yet reads like a page turning mystery.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book I loved the history of the fair. The second plot of the psycho was pretty dark and gruesome. Reader beware not a kids book.

[Tisha Loranger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the history but still a little unclear of the connection and why the author used the two to tell the story.