The Devil in the White City is written by Erik Larson, an author that takes historical events but instead of just explaining the events, he leaves his readers at the edge of their seats, wanting more, and explains gaps that are left in history regarding the events of this book. This book is set during the World's Columbian Exposition or better known as the World’s Fair of 1893. The book is based on two men that are on the opposite side of the spectrum in society: Daniel Burnham, the architect of the World’s Fair, and Herman Webster Mudgett or better known as Dr. H.H. Holmes (Dr. Henry Howard Holmes), one of the first serial killers of America and psychopath. These two seemingly different stories come together in one event that made great city
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Daniel Burnham and his then partner, John Root, are the leading architects whom would build the fair and consequently, giving Chicago a more positive global reputation, since it was known for being and still is, a city of filth, and of crimes. Burnham is faced with many obstacles, even before construction began such as the committee of the World Fair not deciding on a location for the fair, talking over a year to decide, and during the construction phase, he faced drafts for building late, construction injuries and deaths, Panic of 1893 which led to union strikes. However none of these obstacles would be as devastating as the death of John Root, Burnham’s best friend, the creative mind between the two men, and partner of the firm, Burnham & Root. Despite these obstacles, Burnham and his crew were able to surpass the Eiffel Tower; this was presented in the Paris’ World Fair of 1889 with the Ferris wheel, made by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. However, the fair opens but isn’t complete so Burnham faces the same challenges as before with one more obstacle: fair attendance, which decreased after its opening day. Besides the shortcomings, Burnham completes construction and increases fair attendance enough to pay debts and make a profit. Unfortunately, the closing of the fair brings tragedy, as the mayor of Chicago, Carter Henry Harrison, is
Daniel Burnham and his then partner, John Root, are the leading architects whom would build the fair and consequently, giving Chicago a more positive global reputation, since it was known for being and still is, a city of filth, and of crimes. Burnham is faced with many obstacles, even before construction began such as the committee of the World Fair not deciding on a location for the fair, talking over a year to decide, and during the construction phase, he faced drafts for building late, construction injuries and deaths, Panic of 1893 which led to union strikes. However none of these obstacles would be as devastating as the death of John Root, Burnham’s best friend, the creative mind between the two men, and partner of the firm, Burnham & Root. Despite these obstacles, Burnham and his crew were able to surpass the Eiffel Tower; this was presented in the Paris’ World Fair of 1889 with the Ferris wheel, made by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. However, the fair opens but isn’t complete so Burnham faces the same challenges as before with one more obstacle: fair attendance, which decreased after its opening day. Besides the shortcomings, Burnham completes construction and increases fair attendance enough to pay debts and make a profit. Unfortunately, the closing of the fair brings tragedy, as the mayor of Chicago, Carter Henry Harrison, is