Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood. -Daniel H. Burnham, Director of Works, World's Columbian Exposition, 1893

I was born with the devil in me. I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than a poet can help the inspiration to sing. -Dr. H. H. Holmes, Confession, 1896

To Chris, Kristen, Lauren, and Erin, for making it all worthwhile --and to Molly, whose lust for socks kept us all on our toes.

The date was April 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63-65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it.

On a crystalline fall day you can almost hear the tinkle of fine crystal, the rustle of silk and wool, almost smell the expensive cigars.