MAY I SUGGESTby Betty ScanlonBOOK: Devil in the White City AUTHOR: Erik Larson SUMMARY: This engaging read is parallel stories of two men and their influence on the city of Chicago during the Columbian World Expo of 1893. Both Daniel Burnham, the architect, and Holmes, the serial killer, were handsome men and very good in their chosen professions. This riveting book draws the reader in and Larson's style keeps you interested. Our book club found many treasures and firsts in this book. All agreed that the story of the Ferris Wheel was fascinating. It was also thought more pictures from this event would be a wonderful addition to this book. Of special interest was the mention of piping water 100 miles from the " coveted springs of Waukesha, Wisconsin". The portrait of Frederick Law Olmstead, the man responsible for the grounds was quite engaging. You will discover many important people attending this event, among the Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Helen Keller, Elias Disney, Houdini, Thomas Edison and many more. PLOT: At the end of the 19th century, the city of Chicago had a desire to redefine its image from a grimy, slaughterhouse town to a cultural oasis surpassing New York and Paris. Daniel Burnham, the planner and architect, worked with a cast of people and their inventions that are familiar to all as icons of that century. Through hard work and creativity he built this White City on the shores of Lake Michigan. People came from all over the world for this event. Dr. Holmes (aka Herman Mudgett) also took advantage of the many visitors to this windy city. A personable, fast-talking con artist, he built his "World's Fair Hotel", just west of the fair's grounds, complete with dissection table gas chamber and 3000degree crematorium. This serial killer lured many unsuspecting women to their deaths. Each man, persuasive and talented, was driven in opposite directions. ASK YOURSELF: What do the following have in common?
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