Why people recommend it
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is a gripping historical non-fiction narrative that intertwines the architectural triumphs of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the chilling crimes of America's first documented serial killer, Dr. H.H. Holmes. The book frequently serves as a masterclass for writers of historical narrative. On The Book Review, Gilbert Cruz discussed Larson's famous bestseller while previewing literary releases and exploring the author's broader bibliography. Steven Johnson revealed on How I Write that he read Larson's work specifically to prepare himself for writing in a historical narrative mode before tackling his own book, The Ghost Map. Similarly, Doug Brunt praised Larson on The Megyn Kelly Show, referring to him as the king of narrative nonfiction and noting how influential Larson's style was when shaping his own writing approach. Across these discussions, hosts and guests consistently highlighted Larson's unique ability to blend meticulous historical research with the pacing of a suspenseful thriller.
Who recommended it
- Gilbert Cruz Discussed
- Steven Johnson Discussed
- Doug Brunt Discussed
Gilbert Cruz — 1 mention
“most people probably know him for one of his more famous books which is the Devil in the White City which is a book that goes into the 1893 Worlds Fair in Chicago but it also talks about the murderer the serial killer Dr HH Holmes”
Steven Johnson — 1 mention
“and so I remember thinking that I remember um before I wrote ghost map I read uh Devil in the White City by Eric Larson and which was kind of like I was reading it somewhat to prep myself to write it was the first book that I'd written in kind of historical narrative mode”
Doug Brunt — 1 mention
“the way Eric Larson is sort of the king of narrative nonfiction these days with books like Devil in the White City and dead wake”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (3: passing, ad reads, own books)
“And he goes, so, um, the—the man and wife who—funny, crazy story—the guy who bought this house, he built this dream house with his wife, and then like a year later he gets hit by a streetcar at the World Fair in Chicago and never like dies; never lives in the house; like, like The Devil in the White City,”
“like like the Devil in the White City World Fair”
“Eric larsson's new book Dead wake which is a look back at the Lucitania sinking and Eric Larson of course famous for the Devil in the White City and other kind of historical narratives”