Bob McGlincy’s Expositions and World’s Fairs: In the Beginning is an enthusiastic deep dive into the origins of world’s fairs, with a special focus on the Great Exhibition of 1851. The book traces how these massive, celebratory showcases of innovation and culture developed, beginning with Europe’s industrial expositions and culminating in the stunning success of the Crystal Palace in London. McGlincy weaves in stories of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and the visionary Joseph Paxton, bringing readers through the daring construction of the Palace, the sheer scale of the exhibitions, and their ripple effects on global commerce, architecture, and public spectacle.

I was struck by how much heart went into this book. McGlincy clearly loves this subject. His writing makes the past feel present. At times, it reads like a behind-the-scenes documentary, with the tension and triumph of something massive almost failing, then pulling together just in time. The pacing surprised me in a good way. History books can often drag, but not this one. It has the feel of someone at your kitchen table telling you about the biggest, wildest party no one talks about anymore. I felt pulled in. His tone is never dry. The storytelling is brisk and personable, almost giddy at points, and that energy is contagious.

There were moments when the writing leaned into the statistics and crowd sizes. These were huge events, but I would’ve preferred a few more human stories amid the data. Still, those facts drive home the point: these fairs were revolutionary. McGlincy’s respect for the past isn’t romanticized. He calls out the challenges, the politics, and even the skepticism that nearly derailed the Great Exhibition. It gave me a real sense of how fragile even the grandest plans can be.

Expositions and World’s Fairs: In the Beginning is an informative ride through a part of history that most folks don’t know much about. If you’re into history, architecture, innovation, or even just curious about how we got from 19th-century steam engines to modern mega-conventions, this is a great read. I’d recommend it to students of history, event professionals, designers, and dreamers, especially anyone who loves seeing how bold ideas, grit, and a little bit of chaos can create something unforgettable.

Pages: 182 | ASIN: B0FVGD6H38