In the era when lengthy letters were commonplace, many individuals regarded the briefness of postcards as a rather unsatisfactory means of communication. Compared to the more thoughtful and elaborate letters, postcards were seen as limited, akin to the abruptness of telegrams. This perception highlights a cultural appreciation for more detailed, expressive forms of writing.

Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City" explores a significant moment in American history, intertwining the narrative of an influential fair with darker themes of murder and madness. Through this duality, he illustrates how the grandeur of the fair contrasted sharply with the sinister actions occurring simultaneously, reflecting the complexities of human nature and society during that period.