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Book Review of The Devil in the White City : Murder, Magic, Madness, and the Fair that Changed America

The Devil in the White City : Murder, Magic, Madness, and the Fair that Changed America
reviewed on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


This is one of my favorite books of all time. It is a true story, but reads like a novel.

The happier part of the story is about the Chicago World's Fair in the 1890s, a fascinating extravaganza to show the world that Chicago was as sophisticated as New York or Paris. The White City was a cutting-edge product of the best then available in electric lighting, landscaping and design. It also featured the first Ferris Wheel, something more akin to the London Eye than to your average amusement park Ferris Wheel.

(My grandfather attended this fair and told me about it when I was about 13 years old and he was at least 90, so I had a huge curiosity about it. )

The sinister side of this story is also true, and unfolds like a horror story. I will not go into it, but if you are fond of true crime, this will definitely hold your attention!