By Jonathan Sabin
Special to the Herald
On March 16, the Manatee County Library Foundation welcomes No. 1 best-selling author Erik Larson as the “Silver Anniversary” guest of honor and speaker at its popular annual Author Luncheon. The event will be held in the Fête Ballroom at Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch. Tickets are $40 each (includes lunch), and should be purchased in advance, as it is expected to be a sell-out event. Contact the library at 941-748-5555 ext. 6306 for more information.
If you are not familiar with Larson’s style, check out his work at the Manatee County Public Library. Released last year, his most recent title is “In the Garden of Beasts.” As he did so masterfully with his previous books, Larson has taken a chapter from history -- in this case, Berlin, Germany in the 1930s as Hitler ascends to power -- and tells a tale that may read like a well-written novel, but is instead an accurate account of actual events.
The story focuses on William Dodd, who served as the American Ambassador to Germany from 1933 through 1937. A long-time professor of American History at the University of Chicago, Dodd was asked to fill the post only after several others had declined the appointment. It’s likely that he had no idea what he was getting into.
Prior to “In the Garden of Beasts,” Larson’s most popular book was “Devil in the White City.” It is really two stories in one, woven together with Larson’s expert hand. The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair required the rapid construction of a veritable city on some 600 acres of vacant land. The six-month event drew some 27 million people to Chicago to witness the spectacular architecture, landscaping, canals and cultures. The world’s first Ferris Wheel was a centerpiece and for the first time ever, there was extensive use of electrical lighting. Meanwhile, Dr. H.H. Holmes was busily overseeing the construction of a “hotel” nearby. Unlike any other hotel however, his featured a gas chamber, dissection table, and a crematorium. Holmes was a serial killer, and he drew his unfortunate victims from the throngs of visitors who made their way to the “White City.”
Both sides of the story are incredible in their own right, and together, it makes for an electrifying read. A film version starring Leonardo DiCaprio is in development.
Larson’s other popular works include “Thunderstruck” and “Isaac’s Storm,” in which Larson brings to life the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 -- the single most deadly storm to make landfall in the United States.
Speaking Volumes, written by Manatee County Public Library System staff, is published each Sunday. Access the library online at www.mymanatee.org/library.html.
