The Chicago World's Fair of 1893: A Photographic Record

by Stanley Appelbaum

Book Overview

Originally conceived to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America, the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 was one of the largest (633 acres) and most influential aggregations of human talent, energy, and industry ever assembled. More than 27 million visitors entered the grounds (now Jackson Park) to marvel at the exhibits and displays housed in some 200 buildings, including those of 79 foreign governments and 38 states...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 048623990X
• ISBN13: 9780486239903
• Release Date: June 1980
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.7" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

1893 World's Fair

I purchased this photographic record as an accompaniment to the "Devil in the White City" as others have done. I own an original copy of the "Photographs of the World's Fair" published and sold by subscription only by the "Werner Company" of Chicago. The copyright is 1894. The photographs in the Dover publication are far superior as to clarity as one would expect. The difference is the amount of photos taken of the various participants from around the world in my copy. There are 175 pages of photographs, many with multiple photos. As a child in the 1940's, I grew up in Hyde Park/Jackson Park area and visited the "Palace of Fine Arts", AKA, "Museum of Science and Industry" many times and not until I read "The Devil in the White City" and the Dover photographic record did I realize how important the fair was to the city and to the world. These two books are well worth the purchase price.

Perfect Companion to "Devil in the White City"

In an unprecedented short period of time, the finest architects of the day (including Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame) designed and built the many buildings that made up the Chicago World's Fair. This book shows the success of their Herculean efforts. Further, it is the perfect companion to "Devil in the White City" (the white city is the World's Fair). While reading "Devil," I went on-line often to find pictures of the buildings being discussed, the first Ferris Wheel (which held over 2,000 people!), etc., but was disappointed in how few pictures I was able to find. "The Chicago World's Fair of 1893: A Photographic Record" made the on-line search unnecessary. Since then, I have given the "Photographic Record" together with "Devil in the White City" to several people and recommended it to many more. Everyone agrees that the "Photographic Record" is the perfect companion as well as a great book on its own.

Absolutely incredible...

I highly recommend this book, particularly as a companion to "The Devil in the White City." The only minor problem I had with it was the lack of photos for all of the state and national buildings.

wonderful book!!!!

this book by far is my favorite book on the worlds fair the detail and quality of the book is amazing. this is a great buy

A trip back in time

Beautiful photos and thoughtful text. This book does a nice job of condensing the story and mood of the fair into a quick and easy to read format. I own several books about the fair and while some have more photos, this is still my favorite. A must have for those interested in the Columbian Exposition, Chicago history and architecture. The vastness of the White City is something I can scarcely imagine. I especially appreciated that the author details the fates of many of the fair's artistic treasures as well as discussing the changed landscape of the geographical site of the fair.