Cart
|
|
my account
|
wish list
|
help
|
800-878-7323
Hello, |
Login
MENU
Browse
New Arrivals
Bestsellers
Featured Preorders
Award Winners
Audio Books
See All Subjects
Used
Staff Picks
Staff Picks
Picks of the Month
Bookseller Displays
50 Books for 50 Years
25 Best 21st Century Sci-Fi & Fantasy
25 PNW Books to Read Before You Die
25 Books From the 21st Century
25 Memoirs to Read Before You Die
25 Global Books to Read Before You Die
25 Women to Read Before You Die
25 Books to Read Before You Die
Gifts
Gift Cards & eGift Cards
Powell's Souvenirs
Journals and Notebooks
socks
Games
Sell Books
Blog
Events
Find A Store
Don't Miss
15% off new books on Powells.com!*
Spring Sale
Big Mood Sale
Teen Dream Sale
Powell's Author Events
Oregon Battle of the Books
Audio Books
Get the Powell's newsletter
Visit Our Stores
Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
(0 comment)
Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
Read More
»
Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
(0 comment)
Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
(0 comment)
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
by
Erik Larson
Comment on this title
Synopses & Reviews
Award Excerpt
ISBN13:
9780375725609
ISBN10:
0375725601
Condition:
Standard
All Product Details
View Larger Image
View Larger Images
$11.95
List Price:
$19.00
Used Trade Paperback
Ships in 1 to 3 days
Qty
Store
1
Burnside
Awards
2004 Edgar Award Winner for Best Fact Crime
2003 National Book Award Finalist for Nonfiction
4.6
33
What Our Readers Are Saying
Share your thoughts on this title!
Average customer rating 4.6 (33 comments)
`
Alex P.
, November 07, 2016
I think this book was very well written and extremely well researched. The coverage of the Worlds Fair in Chicago was extensive, detailed, and very creative. And the author really captured the "dark & light" that was the developing city at the time. That being said, however, I found this book to be extremely slow and way too much time was spent viewing the fair from Burnham's perspective. It was out of balance because of the overabundance of time spent on the building the fair, advertising it, etc. There was not enough time spent on HH. Holmes or any of the other characters, really they were just glimpses. And while I understand that a lot of that comes from the research available it made for a very, very slow read.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
Cristal
, December 30, 2015
(view all comments by Cristal)
For those who might struggle with more dry historical works, I highly recommend this book. With alternating chapters focused on Daniel Burnham’s work at the World’s Fair and the grotesque crimes of psychopath H.H. Holmes, The Devil in the White City is a riveting story that reads like fiction while providing an incredibly detailed and fun history of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, Chicago, and the United States as a whole. It is a compelling read from start to finish.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
Karen Kay
, October 22, 2014
(view all comments by Karen Kay)
This was a fascinating read. Erik Larson has an amazing gift of storytelling. This compelling historical nonfiction reads better than many crime fiction novels. I found myself unable to put it down, fully committed to discovering the unbelievable horrors that once occurred behind the scenes of the 1893 World's Fair.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
BjoLiz
, February 25, 2014
(view all comments by BjoLiz)
Having read this book several years ago, I got so much more out of it this time around. On the first reading, I was absorbed in The Devil and the horrors he inflicted with zero regard for anyone but himself, a true sociopath. In my 2nd reading, The White City captured my imagination. What those architects, landscape artists and construction workers accomplished in so short a time was nothing short of miraculous. I doubt it could be repeated today even with all our modern machinery and technology. Now, a brief word about Holmes and his despicable acts. Although tragic, his significance was of being the first US serial killer. Not a cherished goal for most of society, yet I think he eagerly sought that place in history. His powers of deception were amazing. His killings and subsequent disposals were simple as well as elaborate. His heart and mind were certainly of the devil. Overall, this was a fascinating read. Just when the tedium of the building of the White City and all the setbacks became overpowering, Larson jolted my interest back with Holmes and his myriad of atrocities. It is a thoroughly researched and well written book surrounding a brief monumental and significant time in our history.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
BakerB
, January 14, 2013
Very interesting read. Full of fascinating history, details of the World's Fair, & Chicago in its heyday, & chilling murder & mystery. Great combo!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Waney
, December 29, 2012
(view all comments by Waney)
I strongly recommend THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY to anyone who enjoys an engrossing, well-written story, whether they normally read fiction or nonfiction. In particular, if readers have a book report in school, this book should be considered. It makes history come alive.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Maggie_S
, November 13, 2012
(view all comments by Maggie_S)
A wonderful well researched novel following two seperate events that took place in Chicago in the last years of the 19th century, a serial killer on the loose and the Chicago World's Fair. Very well executed and as accurate as I could find.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Sofi
, August 31, 2012
(view all comments by Sofi)
I first heard about this on the "Stuff You Missed in History Class" podcast - and the book did not disappoint! The story of the World's Fair would have been compelling on its own - combined with the bizarre life of H.H. Holmes, it was hard to put down. A fascinating episode in America's history!!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
nolan.marie
, August 20, 2012
I wish my history books in high school were as compelling as Erik Larson's. You will find yourself emotionally invested in the lives and happenings of those inside, never mind that they are long since past.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
Cool Huntress 404
, August 07, 2012
I love novels. It was a rare non-fiction book, that, until recently, held my interest. Too dry, too boring, etc. But The Devil in The White City was at the avant garde of richly written non-fiction. It remains the best non-fiction book I've ever written, hands down, far and away. Not only did it manage to convey the spirit and excitement (and historical import) of the World's Columbian Exposition (otherwise known at the Chicago World's Fair) at the fin de siècle, but telling the story of the avant garde architect of the Fair alongside the story of (arguably) America's first urban serial killer was masterfully done and uncomfortably parallel.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
Ruby McConnell
, August 04, 2012
More than a little distressing, this book is sold as a real-life murder mystery set with the Worlds Fair as a backdrop. But its the story of the building of the fair that makes the book impossible to put down. Well written, well researched, and compelling. Great read.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
Mimaggie
, January 02, 2012
A page turner for anyone who enjoys a good story and a bit of history.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
Southern Belle
, November 18, 2011
This was a mesmerizing book. A little thick in the beginning due to the layers of information, but ultimately an amazing journal of the first Chicago World's Fair, the capitalists that made it happen and then destroyed it and the dark serial killer wandering through it all!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
dfgedfwe
, July 02, 2011
..... http://tld30.com/?LOYRSu ... Wow! This site: Both cheaper and fashion, and good products.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(0 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Rachelle Shanrock
, February 03, 2011
(view all comments by Rachelle Shanrock)
i loved this book! it is nonfiction that reads like fiction. an interesting biography of a serial killer without being too graphic or violent. and an interesting portrayal of a fascinating time in history that i previously knew nothing about! it was wonderful.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Michel
, January 01, 2011
(view all comments by Michel)
Loved this book, great detail about the World's Fair and the customary mystery murder to tie in.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Annette P
, September 09, 2010
(view all comments by Annette P)
I love the way that Erik Larson presents history in a way that informs and entertains and draws you in to want more. He made the past come alive for me in a vivid and authentic way. Imagine my surprise to learn that the "villain" of the book had worked, for a short while, in my town? And while I read the book I made lots of connections to places I had visited while in Chicago. I felt like the past was not so distant!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Justi
, January 09, 2010
(view all comments by Justi)
I have never read a book cover to cover as many times as I read "Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson. Every time I bought the book for someone as a gift, I started reading it with that person in mind and before I knew it, I re-read the whole thing. As magical and mysterious as any mystery or fantasy book. Exceptionally well-written, and a fascinating history. I must have given out 15 copies of this! (OK maybe I didn't read it 15 times; more like 4 or 5, but still...)
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
kimbyrocks
, January 06, 2010
Larson's tale of the Chicago World's Fair coupled with the story of a demented serial killer is one that satisfied both my interest in the history of the period and love of a good narrative. Whenever anyone asks me for a book recommendation it is the first thing I think of.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(3 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Barbara Van Fleet
, January 02, 2010
It's nonfiction that reads like a novel. That's a tribute to Erik Larsen's outstanding research and reporting skills, coupled with his fabulous story-telling. Having spent much time in Chicago and reading about the history of the period, I found myself marveling, "How could I not already know about this?"
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Stewart
, January 01, 2010
(view all comments by Stewart)
An outstanding work of narrative history. Hard to believe this is a work of non-fiction. I love the way Larson weaves two stories together, one of Daniel Burnham, the fair's brilliant director of works, the other of the serial murderer, Henry Holmes, a young doctor who built his own hotel just west if the fairgrounds - a torture palace complete with dissection table, gas chamber, and a 3000 degree crematorium. Equally fascinating is his description of life in Chicago at the turn of the 20th century. I most highly recommend this book! For me, this is history at its best.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Natasha Wing
, January 01, 2010
Loved how he intertwined the macabre story with the building of the World's Fair in Chicago. He was really clever at working up to the revelation of inventions featured at the fair.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
`
eagerteacherreader
, December 29, 2009
(view all comments by eagerteacherreader)
This book is combination of two true stories. Erik Larson intertwines two excellent tales--one about the struggle for the city of Chicago to create a memorable World's Fair in 1893 and the other about a disturbed and highly intelligent serial killer who lures victims from the World's Fair. There are details about both events that will keep you turning the pages!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Leslie Richman
, December 29, 2009
(view all comments by Leslie Richman)
This book is a really interesting mix of the stories of the Chicago World's fair and serial murderer H.H. Holmes. It's written in a tone that pulls you in for more, and the stories intertwine well. Makes me want to go back to Chicago and explore all these historical places and people!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
time2pedal
, November 06, 2009
(view all comments by time2pedal)
A truly gripping read. So much history and so many things were born at the Chicago World's fair that shape our every day lives--electric lights, Shredded Wheat and the Ferris wheel. The madness of the murders, and why we don't know more about them or recognize them as part of our cultural consciousness is mind boggling! The tenaciousness of the criminal investigation, and trial are also gripping. I could not put this book down. And can't wait until my next trip to Chicago!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Krystal
, May 13, 2008
(view all comments by Krystal)
This book is full of information, history, suspense, and murder. It is made even more intriguing knowing that it is solidly based on fact. The plot jumps back and forth between a story about the World Fair and a heart wrenching murder mystery. The World Fair is important contextual information under which the murders took place and the murderer got away with it, but the amazing level of detail depicted in this book should really have been its own book. Having the two stories running concurrently in this book took away some of the magic of each story. While I enjoyed the overall book, I think both stories would have been done more justice to be their own individual story.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(12 of 26 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
khfanatic7
, July 26, 2007
At the end of my last school year i found out i had to do this summer reading stuff. i wasnt too happy. ANYWAY i went to the store and got this book just because it looked better than all the other books. well.. turns out it WAS. this book was awesome. it kept me reading the whole way through.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(22 of 35 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
kristenxwentz
, July 25, 2007
Originally I had picked up this book because it was about murder, which I am thoroughly enthralled in. This was my summer reading book for school, and overall I thought it was a very interesting book. At points I thought it was boring, partially because I could care less about architecture, but it was a very good historical read, if you are looking for information. I am 15 years old, and this wasn't the most exciting books I have read, but it was informative.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(10 of 24 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
megcampbell3
, July 01, 2007
(view all comments by megcampbell3)
By far and away this is the most compelling book I've had the pleasure to read in a long time. I couldn't put it down and I even called in sick to finish it. I never call in sick. Luckily, I live in Chicago, so I can explore the architecture and neighborhoods where these stories happened just over a century ago. Even Graceland Cemetery, where many of the people written about in this book now reside, holds new magic for me. Erik Larson is an extremely capable writer. Indeed, through the entire read, I could tell that Erik Larson himself was fully and wonderfully immersed in his subject. I am sure that he could make any subject more than interesting. We, in the city of Chicago, are grateful for his perfect effort!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(8 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Coni
, January 30, 2007
(view all comments by Coni)
True story behind the 1893 Chicago World?s Fair with the focus on two very different men during that time. One is the architect Daniel H. Burnham who designed and supervised the construction of the World?s Fair. The other is H.H. Holmes, the first U.S. serial killer who posed as a doctor and murdered mostly young women in his World?s Fair Hotel. It took me quite a while to read this book. It was a fairly quick read when I was reading it, but it wasn?t a ?can?t put down? book. It was well written in the way I felt like I was reading fiction and then I would remind myself that I was reading a true story. It helped explain why there were gaps in some of the serial killer story. It didn?t go into gruesome details since they really couldn?t get inside the killer?s head. He lied until the day he died. At the beginning of the story, I was always sad when the focused switched from the serial killer to the fair since the beginning of the planning for the World?s Fair was sometimes boring. The writing was as exciting as describing someone organizing and designing a World Fair can be, so it could have been a lot worse. Then more than half way through the story, the Fair became more interesting. It was cool to read about the Fair opening, people attending, all the new things that people saw, etc. The serial killer story became more erratic. The narrative didn?t flow as well as it did in the beginning, but that could have been due to the lack of information of what actually happened. Then when the Fair came to a close, it seemed like a natural end to that part of the story. The serial killer part seemed to wrap up a little too suddenly after moving at a certain pace the rest of the story.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(7 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
kitten60
, December 23, 2006
(view all comments by kitten60)
This is one of the very best books I have ever read. It combines very historical information regarding the gigantic task of the architects of the Chicago's world fair with an ongoing criminal investigation of a mass murderer who gets away with years of killing -nearly in plain sight- multiple victims. His own cavernous killing house is also constructed almost unnoticed due to the distractions caused by the planning of the world's fair. Finally at the denoument, the reader gets to experierence the wonders and architectural triumphs of this great fair in Chicago but also the deconstruction of the serial killer.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(6 of 14 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Sheri Blyskal
, October 25, 2006
(view all comments by Sheri Blyskal)
I happen to read this book immediately after the birth of my daughter. I was soooo caught up in this book, the plot, the history and the eloquent writing that I couldn't wait for my newborn baby girl to go to sleep. I am embarrassed to admit that, but there it is. This book had the ability to envelope me in another world. I went from being an exhausted new mom, to a person witnessing one of the greatest theatrical events of the century. Another bonus with this book is that I live in Chicago and the book is very specific with the locations of events and building. So I could really imagine what is was like. Bottom line-Hat's off to them for attempting the impossible and actually achieving it.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(17 of 27 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
`
Margie
, October 19, 2006
(view all comments by Margie)
This book give you a good history of the Chicago Exposition and all the complications and set backs of its creation. Thrown in are tidbits of information concerning seriel murderer H. H. Holmes, but it really does not deal with him in depth. If you want to know more about the Chicago Exposition though, it is a very enlightening read. I learned a lot.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(7 of 18 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
View all 33 comments
Product Details
ISBN:
9780375725609
Binding:
Trade Paperback
Publication date:
02/10/2004
Publisher:
PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
Language:
English
Pages:
464
Height:
1.00IN
Width:
5.20IN
Thickness:
1.50
Number of Units:
1
Illustration:
Yes
Copyright Year:
2003
Author:
Erik Larson
Author:
Erik Larson
Media Run Time:
B
Subject:
Serial murders
Subject:
World History-General
Subject:
Serial murderers
$11.95
List Price:
$19.00
Used Trade Paperback
Ships in 1 to 3 days
Qty
Store
1
Burnside
More copies of this ISBN
New, Trade Paperback, Starting from $18.00
Used, Trade Paperback, Starting from $8.50
This title in other editions
New, Hardcover, $41.95
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##