This book is actually a dual biography of Daniel Burnham, the architect of the 1893 World's Fair and of Dr. H. H. Holmes, the diabolical killer who had his own horror chamber next door to the fairgrounds.
There is plenty of colorful back drop for the main story, including fascinating anecdotes vividly describing harsh life in 19th Century Chicago. The lasting impact the Fair had on America include the Ferris Wheel, Cracker Jacks, Shredded Wheat and many more. The author's description of the Herculean effort put forth by numerous architects, builders, politicians, etc. lead the reader to a true appreciation of these "can do" spirited individuals.
Then there is the darker story - told in alternating chapters - of Dr. Holmes, a charismatic young doctor with blood-curdling obsessions. His house of horrors stood in the shadows of the great triumphs of the Fair and contained its own killing chamber. The Holme's murders and the investigation that finally brought him to justice provide the perfect companion to the architectural accomplishment going on next door.
The author is such a diligent researcher in addition to being an excellent storyteller that you will feel like you are reading highly imaginative fiction but everything is True. Found by Becky Simpson
There is plenty of colorful back drop for the main story, including fascinating anecdotes vividly describing harsh life in 19th Century Chicago. The lasting impact the Fair had on America include the Ferris Wheel, Cracker Jacks, Shredded Wheat and many more. The author's description of the Herculean effort put forth by numerous architects, builders, politicians, etc. lead the reader to a true appreciation of these "can do" spirited individuals.
Then there is the darker story - told in alternating chapters - of Dr. Holmes, a charismatic young doctor with blood-curdling obsessions. His house of horrors stood in the shadows of the great triumphs of the Fair and contained its own killing chamber. The Holme's murders and the investigation that finally brought him to justice provide the perfect companion to the architectural accomplishment going on next door.
The author is such a diligent researcher in addition to being an excellent storyteller that you will feel like you are reading highly imaginative fiction but everything is True. Found by Becky Simpson
