The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Moderator---Kim

Two different stories are told in this non-fiction book by Erik Larson. There is the story, from beginning to end, of how the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition came to Chicago and the White City was introduced.  The author leaves no architectural stone unturned.  The other story, revolving around a serial killer, puts the 'devil' in the middle of those amazing times and achievements.

France had put on quite the World's Fair in 1889 and showed off it's great engineering feat, the Eiffel Tower. America was ready to one-up it.  But how?  A World's Fair was set  to coincide with the 400 year anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America. In record time, a massive undertaking was put into action and the World's Fair in Chicago surpassed anything seen before. Foods introduced at it are still on the grocery shelves.  From the technology of moving walkways and the night lit by electric lights to the sights and sounds of the Midway, the Fair was a hit.   And did the Fair come up with an eye-popping, jaw-dropping engineering marvel? That answer is YES!

Jack the Ripper was London's big news in 1888--and the stories of this man, perhaps a doctor, also were big news in the U.S.  By the time of the Fair, Chicago had gained it's own doctor/murderer H.H. Holmes.  He preyed upon women, not on the streets of Chicago, but in his World's Fair hotel.  Rumor has it Leonardo DiCaprio will play him in the movie adaptation of the book.

1893 Fair's Fare:

Hot dogs, Cracker Jacks and Juicy Fruit Gum

"Everything you never knew about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair."---Kim

"Jack the Ripper was a novice compared to H.H. Holmes."---Judy