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book2003

Devil in the White City

Disciplines:
history
chicago
crime drama/crime
erik larson

Summary

Erik Larson's 2003 account of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the serial killer H.H. Holmes who operated during it — weaving together the stories of architect Daniel Burnham (building the fair) and Holmes (building his Murder Castle).

Core Contribution

Creates the definitive account of America's first documented serial killer alongside one of the greatest American historical events — Larson's parallel narrative structure (creation vs. destruction, beauty vs. evil) makes the 1893 World's Fair come alive.

Historical Influences

Erik Larson

Intellectual Lineage

Erik Larson Crown

Allied Works

ThunderstruckDead Wake

Contemporaries & Peers

The River of Doubt Thunderstruck

Minds Influenced

Narrative history genreLenny's Podcast

Intellectual Posterity

Devil in the White City Erik Larson as narrative history

Discussing

Devil in the White City

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