Author Erik Larson gives his readers an in depth description of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, bringing it alive with references to prominent, colorful personalities of the time. His depiction of one of the world's most magnificent fairs is accurate, engrossing and interesting. He details the personal problems of the architects of the fair, concentrating on Daniel Hudson Burnham and how he dealt with the ego's and conceit's of contributing architects and artists such as Olmstead, McKim, Sullivan and others. At the same time as the author chronicles the brilliance of the Exposition, he folds in the story of a mass murderer, Dr. Henry H. Holmes, and how his murderous exploits coincided with the fair and how his "World's Fair Hotel" became the horrific scene of unspeakable crimes.

Erik Larson's interweaving of these two significant events in Chicago's history is a masterpiece of modern literature. His graphic portrayal of the "Great White City", juxtaposed against the blackest of crimes is a remarkable literary feat. This is an important book that should be in every readers library.