79 pages • 2 hours read
Erik LarsonThe Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read 
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Summary
Prologue
Part 1, Chapters 1-3
Part 1, Chapters 4-6
Part 1, Chapters 7-10
Part 2, Chapters 1-3
Part 2, Chapters 4-6
Part 2, Chapters 7-9
Part 2, Chapters 10-12
Part 2, Chapters 13-15
Part 3, Chapters 1-3
Part 3, Chapters 4-6
Part 3, Chapters 7-9
Part 3, Chapters 10-12
Part 3, Chapters 13-15
Part 3, Chapters 16-19
Part 3, Chapters 20-22
Part 4, Chapter 1
Part 4, Chapters 2-4
Part 4, Chapters 5-6
Epilogue
Key Figures
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Book Club Questions
Tools Beta
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Devil in the White City?
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1170L