R. Reid Hall

Preface -- Prologue: Opening day -- Introduction: The Great World's Fair and Victorial Culture -- pt. 1. THE BACKGROUND -- The Crystal Palace and the origins of the institution -- The growth and character of the institution -- America and the Great World's Fairs -- pt. 2. THE SETTING -- Energy and uncertainty -- The representative city -- pt. 3. THE GREAT FAIR -- Genesis and growth of the idea -- Organization -- The site, the plan, and the design -- Finance and promotion -- Dedication day -- Final preparations -- The World's Congress -- The exhibits -- The midway -- pt. 4. THE CULTURE -- Achievement and influence -- A confusion of symbols -- The vision of unity -- Epilogue -- APPENDICES -- A) The World's Fairs -- B) U.S. appropriations to exhibitions and fairs -- C) The act creating the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 -- D) Preliminary and final classification system -- E) The Presidential proclamation -- F) Memorandum of December 9, 1890 -- G) Burnham's letter of December 13, 1890 -- H) A financial balance sheet.