In this post, I am introducing you to The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, a gripping nonfiction book that intertwines history and true crime. First, we will talk about the fascinating story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the visionary architect Daniel Burnham, who brought it to life despite numerous obstacles.
At the same time, we’ll delve into the chilling crimes of H. H. Holmes, a cunning serial killer who used the fair as cover for his horrific deeds. After that, we’ll explore some thought-provoking book club questions to spark discussion and deeper reflection on the book.
The Devil in the White City Summary
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson intertwines two parallel stories set against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. One follows the ambitious efforts of architect Daniel Burnham as he leads a team of designers and engineers to construct the grand exposition, while the other traces the chilling crimes of H. H. Holmes, a conman and serial killer who used the fair as a hunting ground for his victims.
The book begins with Burnham, a determined and highly respected architect, securing the responsibility of bringing the fair to life. The fair, officially called the World’s Columbian Exposition, was meant to showcase American ingenuity and surpass the grandeur of the 1889 Paris Exposition, which had introduced the Eiffel Tower. Chicago, a rapidly growing city still reeling from the Great Fire of 1871, was chosen as the host, beating out New York.
Burnham faced immense pressure to complete the fair on time, despite constant setbacks—construction delays, labor shortages, harsh weather, and the unexpected deaths of key figures on his team. He enlisted the best minds in architecture, including Frederick Law Olmsted, the famous landscape architect behind Central Park. Together, they envisioned a dazzling city of white neoclassical buildings, a design choice that would later earn the fair its nickname: The White City.
Meanwhile, across town, Holmes was building something of his own—a three-story building near the fairgrounds that would later be dubbed his “Murder Castle.” To outsiders, it appeared to be a hotel catering to visitors coming for the fair, but inside, it was a maze of soundproof rooms, secret passageways, and trapdoors leading to the basement, where Holmes installed a kiln that he claimed was for glass-making. In reality, it was used to dispose of bodies.
Holmes, a charismatic and manipulative man, lured young women into his web, often convincing them to take up jobs at his pharmacy or stay at his boarding house. Many of them vanished without a trace. He was skilled at deception, spinning elaborate lies to creditors and employers alike, always staying one step ahead of those who grew suspicious of him. He took out life insurance policies on his victims, cashing in after orchestrating their disappearances.
As the fair approached its grand opening, Burnham and his team raced against time to complete their masterpiece. One of the fair’s crowning achievements was the introduction of the world’s first Ferris Wheel, a colossal structure designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. to rival the Eiffel Tower. It was an engineering marvel—264 feet tall, capable of holding more than two thousand people at once, and powered by steam engines.
When the fair finally opened in May 1893, it was a breathtaking spectacle. Millions of visitors flooded in to witness its wonders, from electric lights illuminating the grounds to new inventions like Cracker Jack and the zipper. It was a celebration of progress, an event that left a lasting impact on American culture and urban planning.
At the same time, Holmes continued his crimes in the shadows of the fair. His victims included young women who had come to Chicago seeking adventure, some of whom he courted before murdering them. Others were employees or business partners who trusted him too much. He eventually fled Chicago, leaving behind mounting debts and questions about the fate of the people who had disappeared around him.
Holmes was finally caught in 1894, not for murder, but for insurance fraud. As authorities dug deeper, they uncovered the extent of his crimes. When they searched his “castle,” they found a horrifying scene—evidence of human remains, dismembered bodies, and rooms designed specifically for torture. Holmes confessed to multiple murders, though the true number of his victims remains unknown. He was sentenced to death and hanged in 1896.
The fair, despite its struggles, became a defining moment in American history. Burnham’s vision had been realized, and though the grand buildings were torn down after the exposition ended, its influence lived on in architecture and city planning. Holmes, on the other hand, became a dark footnote in the fair’s legacy, a reminder that while the White City stood as a symbol of progress and human achievement, darkness lurked just beyond its shining gates.
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Book Club Questions
Here are some book club questions for The Devil in the White City:
- How do Burnham and Holmes embody different aspects of the American Dream?
- Did you find one storyline more compelling than the other? Why?
- What surprised you the most about the history of the Chicago World’s Fair?
- How did the fair reflect the ambitions and anxieties of America in the late 19th century?
- In what ways did the fair influence modern cities and architecture?
- How did Holmes manage to evade suspicion for so long?
- What role did the lack of modern law enforcement techniques play in Holmes’s crimes?
- Did you find Larson’s writing style engaging or overly detailed?
- How does the book’s structure—switching between the fair and Holmes’s crimes—affect the reading experience?
- If the book were adapted into a film or series, what aspects would you want to see emphasized?
For similar works, check out our History Books section!
Final thoughts
I hope you have enjoyed this summary and discussion of The Devil in the White City. If you haven’t yet read the book, I highly recommend it—Larson’s storytelling makes history feel as immersive as a novel while shedding light on one of America’s most fascinating events.
