I am an avid reader of books.  I prefer fiction although and often treat reading non-fiction as focused education, useful but a bit of work.

When reading non-fiction I am usually am trying to understand a topic better and build my subject matter expertise while I treat fiction as more of a relaxing activity (that is not to say you don’t learn stuff from fictional stories, just in a different way)

Fabulous Christmas Gift

I received a copy of “The Devil in the White City” for Christmas.  It is a non-fiction history of the Chicago world’s fair and one of America’s first serial killers.

This is the best non-fiction work I have ever read.   While it is not a historical novel but rather a history (so – non fiction) it is written in the style of a novel.  The book is meticulously researched, full of quotes with clear citations listed at the end of the book.

 What about the Environment

“The Devil in the White City” covers a lot of ground giving a strong visual picture of the world as it was in the the 1890’s.

While the history includes a a multitude of fascinating information and facts, a particular quote from Daniel Burnham, Director of Works, World’s Columbian Exposition, 1893 (aka Chicago World’s Fair) really caught my attention.  Unfortunately it is as true a statement today as it was back then:

“Up to our time, strict economy in the use of natural resources has not been practiced, but it must be henceforth unless we are immoral enough to impair conditions in which our children are to live”.

As capable as the human race is over 120 years have passed since Mr. Burnham made this statement and sadly I am not sure we get it.