#2764

Mentioned in 23 episodes

The Devil in the White City

Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America

Book • 2003

The book tells the dual stories of Daniel H. Burnham, who led the construction of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and H.H.

Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims.

Burnham faced numerous challenges in building the 'White City', while Holmes constructed his 'Murder Castle', a hotel with secret rooms, torture chambers, and other sinister features.

The narrative explores the contrast between the grandeur of the fair and the dark deeds of Holmes, set against the backdrop of late 19th-century America.

Mentioned by

Vanessa Van Edwards

Michael Batnick

Mentioned in 23 episodes

Recommended by

Naomi Gleit

as a compelling way to learn about history.

Meta’s Head of Product (and 29th employee) on working with Mark Zuckerberg, early growth tactics, why PMs are like conductors, and more | Naomi Gleit

Mentioned by

Vanessa Van Edwards

as a book that

Ryan Holiday

might like.

The Stoic’s Playbook For INSTANT Charisma | Vanessa Van Edwards (PT. 2)

Mentioned by

Michael Batnick

, referencing Erik Larson's work, and asking

Ben Carlson

if he read it.

Hi-Yo Silver! (EP. 449)

Mentioned by Tanya in relation to H.H. Holmes, advising Carrie to read it.

MTCT #182: 2025 Summer Book Club, Part 3

Recommended by

Josh

and

Chuck

as a detailed, readable history that covers the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and H.H. Holmes' crimes.

Let's All Go to the World's Fair

Mentioned by

Dax Shepard

as an example of a digressive nonfiction book he enjoys for combining crime and historical context.

Patrick Radden Keefe (investigative journalist)

Mentioned by

Jason Richman

as a long-sought adaptation project he hopes to shepherd to the screen.

Why Hollywood Needs Books More Than Ever

Mentioned by

Noel Brown

as a book that tells the sordid tale of the dark side of the Chicago World's Fair.

The Ridiculously Ambitious History of the World's Fair, Part One: A Crazy Plan, and Crazy Success

Recommended by

Josh Clark

as a good book that reproduces elaborate menus from dinners held while planning the exposition.

SYSK Gets Weird Playlist: The Mystery of the Mary Celeste

Mentioned by

Audrey Hussey

when discussing a shared memory of a book with circled words.

Matthew and Audrey Solo: What to Do When Someone Pulls Away, Managing Social Anxiety, and Our Quarterly Audit for 2025

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