Palaces

Image-wise, this is the `grand daddy' of 1904 World's Fair books. Its 256 pages contains many pictures taken directly from the Missouri Historical Society's collections. Many of the huge images were reproduced from rare glass-plate negatives, which showcases the photographs detail in this large format book. (10 1/2" x 13")

Created by Tim Fox- the former editor of the Missouri Historical Society magazine "Gateway Heritage", and Duane R. Sneddeker, the Society's curator of photographs and prints; it was published by Missouri Historical Society Press on July 1997. The book concentrates on many of the exterior vistas of the Fair as well as the numerous exhibits. Fair information plays second fiddle to the grandeur of its imagery.

This coffee-table book is by far the best photographic essay on a 1904 World's Fair contemporary publication. What it lacks in info. it makes up in illustrating a true sense of epic, as well as an up and close views that made me fall in love with the beauty and magnificence of the Exposition.

Created by Joe Sonderman, a lifelong St. Louisan who has written several books on St. Louis history, and Mike Truax, the current President of the 1904 World’s Fair Society and Fair expert, this 128 page soft cover book by Arcadia Publishing, was released in December 2008.

This powerhouse of a World's Fair book has roughly two photos per page, and inciteful text that is a must-buy for the Fair aficionado.

St. Louis: The 1904 World’s Fair examines the Fair’s legacies and legends and contains roughly 250 sharp black and white photographs which covers the Fair's construction, opening, highlights, exhibitions, vistas, demolition, etc. Included is an exceptional pictorial on The Pike. Many of the professional photographs are rare or uncommon while others were taken by visitors from the Fair and are reproduced in print for the first time.

This book was obviously a labor of love and has a fantastic balance between the grandeur and the personal while always being informative.