HighCastle of Geek

​A blog/journal about my life and the stuff I like. Popular subjects include music, guitars, gear, books, movies, video games, technology, humor.

Book Review - Devil in the White City

Devil in the White City by Erik Larson - an interesting dual tale of two men, one the primary architect for the 1893 Worlds Fair in Chicago that was a stunning achievement in architecture, science and modern innovation for its time, the other being one of the first (if not the first) American serial killer who exploited the tumult in Chicago during this momentous season, preying upon many young women who were attracted at the opportunities that this event and city promised. A really fascinating story that works on many different levels and shifts between a great historical novel about American innovation, perseverance and the realities of living in turn of the century Chicago and the intricate web of deceit, misdirection and malevolence masterminded by a well respected Doctor who used his power to commit unthinkable acts of violence. This tale seems so fantastic that it's hard to believe it's actually based entirely on true events without a great deal of embellishment or artistic license.