THE D E V I L IN THE WHITE CITY

Grace Barksdale

Author Erik Larson, born January 3, 1954, is an

American author, journalist, and contributing magazine

writer.

He has already written 4 New York Times bestsellers,

with The Devil in the White City winning an Edgar Award for

best nonfiction crime novel.

This author is extremely credible; he is well-known for

the extensive research and detail that can be found in all of

his nonfiction books.

THE AUTHOR

SUMMARY

The Devil in the White City centers around the creation of the Chicago World's Fair of

1893, or The World's Columbian Exposition.

The book is divided into four parts, with two main characters; one being World Fair

architect Daniel Burnham, the other being serial killer H.H. Holmes.

We learn of Burnham’s trials and tribulations during the building of the Worlds Fair.

We also see the plotting and construction of Dr. Holmes’ macabre World Fair Hotel.

The book concludes with the fates of many of the story’s main characters. We see

Daniel Burnham’s health failing and his eventual death, alongside Holmes’ capture and

subsequent execution.

“I found it so marvelously strange that both these men should be operating at the same

time in history, within blocks of each other, both creating powerful legacies, one of

brilliance and energy, the other of sorrow and darkness. What better metaphor for the

forces that would shape the 20th century into a time of monumental technical

achievement and unfathomable evil?”

– Erik Larson (RandomHouse Interview)

READING REFLECTION 1

Part In Book: Chapter: Remains of the Day

I am now reading where H.H. Holmes seduces and then murders Julia

Connor. Author Erik Larson includes direct quotes from Holmes himself and

testimony from Julia’s relatives. As the reader, I see Holmes’s inner thoughts

and feelings as he commits his murder. The cold calculation with which he

addresses her family is disturbing. However, Larson’s writing keeps me on the

edge of my seat and I’m unable to put this book down!

Part In Book: Chapter: Vertigo (pg. 269)

Right now I am reading of George Ferris and the creation of the Ferris

Wheel. I love author Erik Larson’s attention to detail and the scandalous

information he adds to this historical retelling. I had never heard of the deadly

accident that had occurred at the Midway’s Ice Railway when a sled derailed and

“plummeted fifteen feet to the ground.” I hadn’t know that it had resulted in the

Ferris’s board of directors postponing the Ferris’s opening day.

READING REFLECTION 2

Part In Book: Epilogue

I am at the end of The Devil in the White City. Author Erik Larson is doing a

wonderful job in summarizing the fair’s greatest impact on America. He writes

of how it “changed the way Americans perceived their cities and their

architects” and to see them as beautiful, as they did the “White City”

I also like the way the author brings each characters story to a close;

informing the reader of their fates, be it good or bad.

READING REFLECTION 3

MAIN CHARACTER:

H . H . H O L M E S Arrives in Chicago in search of work as a doctor or pharmacist

Holmes constructs his “Worlds Fair Hotel”, as a way of luring in many of his victims.

Holmes is finally put to a stop when arrested for insurance fraud,.

It results in a deeper investigation that leads to the eventual discovery of his full crimes

Holmes is eventually tried, convicted, and sentenced to death.

Mysterious and supernatural forces seemed to follow this “devil doctor” even after his

death. Deaths, accidents, and illnesses plagued many who were involved in his arrest and

conviction

To this day we do not know how many innocent people Holmes actually killed!

CLAIM STATEMENT

In The Devil in the White City, main character H.H. Holmes is accurately portrayed.

“However strange or macabre some of the following incidents may seem, [this book]

is not a work of fiction.” Larson even used H.H. Holmes’ own memoir , with anything

in his book in quotations coming directly “from a letter, memoir, or other written

document.”

“I pieced his story together from bits of evidence in far-flung places…as a

prosecuting attorney forges an iron-clad case out of bits of forensic evidence…I do not

employ researchers, nor did I conduct primary research using the Internet. I need

physical contact with my sources.”

CONNECTIONS

The extensive attention to facts, detail, and accuracy really stood out to me! Erik

Larson’s Authors note and the end of the book gave insight into the great trouble he

took to research.

This book provided great insight into Chicago history; mostly of its Columbian

Exposition. There was a great deal of information on Daniel Burnham’s journey as

architect and the struggles and problems he faced in its creation.

I would definitely recommend this book! It is a great blend of suspense and

thoughtful historical insight. The varying story lines and jumps in setting may be a bit

confusing at times, but the combination of two great historical tales keeps the reader

on edge and wanting to read more!

THE END