A detailed and fascinating look into the parallel activities of a great architect and a cold-blooded serial murderer. The author truly captured the feel of this era and it was very easy to imagine what Chicago was like during these formative years. ( )

Really liked the first part of the book, but I felt that he got bogged down in too much detail toward the end. Still, an interesting history book told really well, showing the best and worst of the young America and, as usual, the best and worst show up in the same place at the same time. ( )

I've been meaning to read this book for years, I'm glad I finally got around to it! This year we are celebrating architect Daniel Burnham's plan for Chicago, which ensured the lakefront remained the gem it is today. Before that, however, he made his name by designing and building the Columbian Exposition -- a world's fair that was, at the time, the greatest ever. The impetus behind the fair was a strong national desire to eclipse the Paris Exposition, where the Eiffel Tower was the marvel of the show. By the time politicians all agreed and funding and location was secured, Burnham had only about two years to construct his vision, which featured among other things, the first Ferris Wheel.

Meanwhile, nearby a young, charismatic man changes his name to H.H. Holmes, begins down the path of a swindler only to wind up a notorious serial killer, more insidious than his English contemporary Jack the Ripper, as these weren't random acts of violence, but calculated plots involving people he knew that had trusted him.

The Devil in the White City narrates the two stories (and a third involving an attorney who went off his nut and assassinated the mayor) to highlight the dichotomy of the era. On one hand, there was the monumental accomplishment of the fair, bringing world renown to the city and country. On the other, there was the shadowy "black city" of what was and what was yet to come -- corruption, violence, soul-sucking industry, and poverty. It reads like a fascinating novel -- yet it all really happened. I'm interested in reading more about Burnham -- Holmes? Not so much. There aren't many characters in history more fundamentally evil. ( )

Greta book. I have read several works on this topic and this is the most comprehensive integrating the best of humanities architectural wonders, personalities, and want to help society, as well as showing those that are the lowest of us. Fascinating. ( )