"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

In 1893, not long after Jack the Ripper’s killings, a large number of young women (the numbers provide an estimate between 27 and 200) were killed by a sadistic maniac who was known as a very charming doctor who went by the name of H.H. Holmes.

Most of Holme’s killings happened during the World’s Fair in 1893, which took place in the new metropolis of Chicago.While these events may have been forgotten by many, Erik Larson is not one of them as he actually wrote a book covering those events titled The Devil in the White City: A Saga of Magic and Murder at the Fair that Changed America.

The main goal of this book is to tell the story of H.H. Holmes as well as that of Daniel Burman (the architect responsible for the fair) in a very captivating way all while preserving the integrity of the story’s historical accuracy.

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (Book cover)
It can be looked at as an artistic story which incorporates a large number of facts from the real world. The story itself is quite interesting as it deals with a large number of issues ranging from Daniel Burman’s difficulties dealing with his partner’s death to H.H. Holmes' ability to maintain a double life as a killer and respected member of society.

Various historical characters of importance make their appearance, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, and Thomas Edison himself. It’s a true emotional rollercoaster of thrilling ups and downs as Erik Larson skillfully portrays not only the characters themselves, but also the White City which in some regards can be seen as a living beast itself.


Erik Larson (Author)

Erik Larson


Personal site

Erik Larson is an American author of non-fiction and journalist whose works touch on the more morbid and practical side of life.

 The Devil in the White City, for instance, is an exploration of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and the infamous crimes perpetrated by the serial killer H.H. Holmes, while in the Garden of Beasts, his latest work, looks into the first American ambassador to Nazi Germany, William E. Dodd.

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