Founder connections
- James DysonFavorite-book selectionDyson includes Larson’s book in his One Grand top-ten list. His accompanying comment praises the 1893 Chicago setting and its association with American ingenuity.Source
Summary
Larson tells the story of Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair through two contrasting lives. Daniel Burnham organizes architects and other specialists to build the fair, while Henry H. Holmes exploits its attraction to draw victims to his hotel. The parallel narratives connect the work and ambition behind the exposition with the violence hidden nearby.
Why read it Our view
Study the organization and execution of a large exposition through Burnham’s architecture and coordination work.