I'm not a huge reader of non-fiction, but I'm beginning to think that I'm just not reading the right books, because I read this book more compulsively than any recent novel in fiction.
Devil in the White City brings to light just how dramatically Chicago's 1893 World Fair impacted and changed the world. This book walks you through nearly every phase of creating and constructing the magical city that stood in such contrast to the dark and bleak streets of Chicago. So much happened for the country during the grand event: The Ferris Wheel was designed and built to outshine Eiffel's Tower; electrical bulbs were used on a mass scale to light the paths of the fair; and Chicago proved that it deserved a place alongside the grand cities of Paris, London, and New York. What I found most compelling was how dedicated the city was to completing the project in spite of unforgiving weather, national economic collapse, labor strikes, fire, sickness, and death. Larson does a wonderful job of working facts into this tale of wonder and terror surrounding this great exposition.
Though I was thoroughly fascinated with the architectual journey of the fair, I was equally intrigued by the chapters relating to Dr. H. H. Holmes and his hotel of horror. Holmes' ability to outsmart and distract from an entire life of crime and murder was particularly striking, and Holmes himself was such a dynamic and cold character, it's hard to believe he was not a work of fiction.
Though some of the work seemed speculative, I believe most historical books are, and this particular one kept me turning the pages unlike any other I've read. In fact, I was so enthralled with Holmes' life, I decided to try another non-fiction/serial killer read: Truman Capote's In Cold Blood.
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