Erik Larson is one of the greatest historical authors in America. His book “ The Devil in the White City ” is popular for its description of one of the greatest in American History. The book gives an account of what happened at the American fair hosted by Daniel Burnham in 1893. It educates the audience of the events that preceded the fair and those that followed. The author demonstrates the changes that followed the fair and the importance of that fair to America(Larson, 2004).
The 1893 Chicago World Fair was pioneered by Daniel Burnham who was presented with the task of building the American fair. The fair worked in so many ways to change America. It is evident from the book that after the fair, a number of Americans were so impressed with Mr. Burnham’s work that they approached him to design a number of buildings from him. The model created a desire by many American States to develop further and design the city with modern buildings and structure. The fair pioneered by Daniel Burnham provoked a desire for a better America. This is actually evident from the kind of buildings available today. Larson described “Without doubt huge progress had been made. The six grandest buildings of the exposition towered over the central court with an effect more dramatic and imposing than even he had imagined” (Pg 403). It also created job opportunities for men and women, led to better infrastructure such as better hospitals and health care, better schools for the children which meant better living conditions.
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The fair did a perfect job at showcasing the Gilded Age America which is the era between 1890 – 1900s. Erik Larson clearly shows how America moved from one era to another in terms of infrastructure and security. The author narrates about the period when American cities started coming up with modern architectural structures to form the enormous and big structures today. The Gilded Age America is a period when America moves from ancient America to modern America. He also tells the story of an ancient serial killer, H. H. Holmes. The audience is given new insight into the justice system of this era.
The Devil in the white City is a description of the serial killer Holmes, who takes advantage of the congregation of hundreds and thousands of people at the fair to find his victims. He is, however captured and convicted of murder and fraud.
The author of “ The Devil in the white city ” uses immense contrast in his work especially when he says “The White City had drawn men and protected them; The Black City now welcomed them back, on the eve of winter, with filth, starvation. And violence.” He shows the transition from that period in time to the future. The white city is a representation of the gross employment and prosperity. The economy would be growing at a high rate and women rights would be embraced. Larson wrote “Never before in civilization have such numbers of young girls been suddenly released from the protection of the home and permitted to walk unattended upon the city streets and work under alien roofs ” (Pg 28). This is in association with the impressive architectural accomplishments. The white city is a place of great affluence and the standard of living of most men and women would be elevated.
However, Chicago quickly transforms in to the Black city where crime and conflict are the main factors affecting the city. Under the surface of all the beauty in the city lies evils that are suffocating the glorious city such a series of murder committed by Holmes, fraud and violence. Holmes remembers ”More likely two older boys discovered that their five year old victim did not mind the excursion; that far from struggling a shrieking, he merely stared at the skeleton with mere appreciation ” (pg 72). As much as the living conditions of many had improved, there were those still drowning in poverty. This raised the crime rate and insecurity around the town hence rendering it the black city. The Black city could also be associated with the time of depression in Chicago where thousands lost their jobs and prestige hence lowering their welfare and standard of living.
The Devil in the City is a fantastic historical book that describes not only the architectural accomplishments but also the evils that have been eating up the city for a very long time. The author uses great prowess in educating his audience about the Gilded Age America as well.
Reference
Larson, E. (2004). The devil in the white city: Murder, magic and madness at the fair that changed America.
