From the Palaces to the Pike : Visions of the 1904 World's Fair

Part amusement park, part museum, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, generally known as the St.

Louis World's Fair, was the turn-of-the-century forerunner of today's theme parks and megamalls.

This handsome book takes readers on a tour of the fair.

Images from the Missouri Historical Society's collections, many reproduced from rare glass-plate negatives, show the buildings, the "human exhibits", and even aerial views.

A special chapter of snapshots taken by fairgoers provides personal views of attractions on the Fair's entertainment district, known as the Pike, and other popular destinations.