Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City is praised for its intricate weaving of historical detail and captivating storytelling, blending the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with a chilling true crime narrative. Critics commend its meticulous research and engaging prose, though some find its dual narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it’s a compelling read for history buffs and true crime enthusiasts alike.

Readers who enjoy richly detailed narrative non-fiction blending historical events with true crime will find The Devil in the White City captivating. Fans of Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton or David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon will appreciate Larson's meticulous research and storytelling.

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson intertwines the narratives of Daniel Hudson Burnham, the architect of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, and H. H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure victims into his "Murder Castle." The book explores themes like sanity versus insanity, anonymity in urban environments, contemporary gender roles, and the contrasting collaborative nature of Burnham's work with Holmes' isolation during their intertwined trajectories at the historical fair. 

The book contains graphic descriptions of violence, murder, and systemic manipulation.

Erik Larson

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Devil in the White City reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Devil in the White City | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Devil in the White City Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue

The Devil in the White City Prologue Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “Frozen Music”

Part 1, Chapters 1-3 

The Devil in the White City Part 1, Chapters 1-3  Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

The Devil in the White City Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-10

The Devil in the White City Part 1, Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “An Awful Fight”

Part 2, Chapters 1-3

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 4-6

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-9

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-12

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-15

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “In the White City”

Part 3, Chapters 1-3

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 4-6

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 7-9

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 10-12

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 13-15

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 16-19 

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 16-19  Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 20-22

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Cruelty Revealed”

Part 4, Chapter 1

The Devil in the White City Part 4, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 2-4

The Devil in the White City Part 4, Chapters 2-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 5-6

The Devil in the White City Part 4, Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue: “The Last Crossing”

Epilogue

The Devil in the White City Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Devil in the White City Key Figures

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Themes

The Devil in the White City Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Devil in the White City Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Devil in the White City Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Devil in the White City Essay Topics

Introduction

The Devil in the White City Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Devil in the White City Before Reading

During Reading

The Devil in the White City During Reading

After Reading

The Devil in the White City After Reading

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Devil in the White City?

Reading Age

Book Details