Why is it so difficult to see things whole? The most compelling history of the fair may be Erik Larson’s “The Devil in the White City,” which succeeds in incorporating both shadow and light . So while we may agree with the Field’s attention to the fair’s cultural condescension, while we may accommodate ourselves to aspects of its multiculturalism, the screw deserves another turn: for all the flaws and failings, there were wonders and possibilities on display. Such opposing strains run together in museums — as in fairs.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:31:43 +0000