414F Fall 2025 True Crime: A Study of Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City

Thursdays, 9:40—11:05, Oct. 23—Nov. 13 

In this course, we will study Larson’s spine-chilling account of Good versus Evil. Larson’s narrative history intertwines the account of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with the terrifying tale of H.H. Holmes. Presented in side-by-side reports, we’ll learn about the serial killer who built a murder castle and preyed on the fair’s visitors and about Daniel Burnham, the architect of the World’s Fair, who showcased American exceptionalism. Through the dual narrative, we’ll explore themes of ambition, creativity, the nature of good and evil, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. On the New York Times Best Seller list for over five years, Devil in the White City won the Edgar Award for best fact-crime writing and was a finalist for the National Book Award.