History of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition:
This 800 page hard cover book was published in 1905. Mark Bennitt (the editor), added 4000 pictures to the publication which is considered
`the bible' for 1904 World’s Fair aficionados, as it contains a pleathera of facts and information. Most vintage souvenir books from the Fair contained large `official' imagery from the Fair, this book, combined a massive amount of smaller picturials and tons of statisitics and facts. The original books are quite expensive and difficult to find, Bennitt's book was reprinted in April 1976 by Arno Press (Ayer Company Publishing),
in a slighty smaller format. A must see book. This publication has also been digitized and is available on CD from Phillip Geerling.
The Universal Exposition of 1904 by David R. Francis:
This two volume set totaling 1129 pages was published in 1913 and penned by Exposition President David R. Francis. Volume 1 contains information about the construction of the Fair, the buildings, exhibits, as well as music, sculptures, and special events, concessions, and the destruction of the Fair. Volume 2 features 155 pictures of the Fair. Much of the second volume contains many pages of statistics. These books can sometimes be found on Ebay and in large libraries as a reference book.
Louisiana and the Fair: An Exposition of the World, It's People and Their Accomplishments, by J. W. Buel:
Editor J.W. Buel created a massive 10 volume set of 400 pages each. Limited to 750 sets, each volume focused on many aspects of the Fair, from the Louisiana Purchase to the Fair's demolistion. These volumes provide a extensive background and history of the Fair. Can be ocassionally found (usually broken up sets or single books), on Ebay.
.The Official History of The Fair: St. Louis, 1904, (The Sights and Scenes of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), by John Wesley Hanson:
This book contains 496 pages, with 170 photos. A great book that covers all aspects of the Fair, including the Palaces in depth.
World's Fair Official Photographs: Views of the Universal Exposition, 1904:
This 302 Paged book, showcases many beautiful images from the Fair. Oddly, quite a few of the exterior shots seems to have been `doctored,' as if an airbrush artist blurred out foreground areas. Beside some beautiful Palace pictures, the book includes most of the state and country buildings. Can be found on Ebay in a red or sometimes blue cover.
