One of the best parts, in my opinion, of non-fiction books is learning new facts, especially historical ones. When things started, why things started, how things started, who the person was behind them- all these things fascinate me. So I am happy to see as I go through The Devil in the White City that there are interesting historical facts sprinkled in and around.
I'm pretty sure I knew about the Ferris Wheel. I have to have known. But the Ferris Wheel! World's Fair Chicago. I love how Larson kept hinting at this massive, unprecedented idea without giving the man's name. It definitely built up the suspense.
I did not know about the Pledge of Allegiance. That this was created to show solidarity on the Dedication Day for the Fair and nothing else is so interesting. And the fact that it was a magazine/newspaper man who came up with it; not the government. I now need to do research to see how it became a permanent part of our culture.
What fun historical tidbits have you discovered so far?
I'm pretty sure I knew about the Ferris Wheel. I have to have known. But the Ferris Wheel! World's Fair Chicago. I love how Larson kept hinting at this massive, unprecedented idea without giving the man's name. It definitely built up the suspense.
I did not know about the Pledge of Allegiance. That this was created to show solidarity on the Dedication Day for the Fair and nothing else is so interesting. And the fact that it was a magazine/newspaper man who came up with it; not the government. I now need to do research to see how it became a permanent part of our culture.
What fun historical tidbits have you discovered so far?