Structurally and linguistically, how does Larson connect the biographies of Holmes and Burnham?

How does journalism function in the book?

The book closes with the sinking of the Titanic. What is the significance of this choice on Larson’s part, beyond the factual chronology?

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Before You Read

Explore The Devil in the White City reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Devil in the White City

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Overview

In The Devil in the White City, a visionary architect and a killer shape Chicago’s history. Explore this thrilling tale with a full summary and analysis.

The Devil in the White City Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue

Get ready to explore The Devil in the White City and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Devil in the White City Prologue Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “Frozen Music”

Part 1, Chapters 1-3 

The Devil in the White City Part 1, Chapters 1-3  Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

The Devil in the White City Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-10

The Devil in the White City Part 1, Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “An Awful Fight”

Part 2, Chapters 1-3

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 4-6

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-9

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-12

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-15

The Devil in the White City Part 2, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “In the White City”

Part 3, Chapters 1-3

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 4-6

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 7-9

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 10-12

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 13-15

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 16-19 

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 16-19  Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 20-22

The Devil in the White City Part 3, Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Cruelty Revealed”

Part 4, Chapter 1

The Devil in the White City Part 4, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 2-4

The Devil in the White City Part 4, Chapters 2-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 5-6

The Devil in the White City Part 4, Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue: “The Last Crossing”

Epilogue

The Devil in the White City Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Devil in the White City Key Figures

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Themes

The Devil in the White City Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Devil in the White City Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Devil in the White City Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Devil in the White City Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

The Devil in the White City Book Club Questions

Introduction

The Devil in the White City Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Devil in the White City Before Reading

During Reading

The Devil in the White City During Reading

After Reading

The Devil in the White City After Reading

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

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