In "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson intertwines the stories of the Chicago World's Fair and H.H. Holmes, a notorious serial killer. The narrative highlights the ambition and innovation behind the 1893 fair, showcasing how it transformed the city and set new standards in architecture and urban planning. Against this backdrop, Holmes's chilling crimes unfold, revealing a darker side to the fair's grandeur and the era's complexities.

Daniel H. Burnham's quote, "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood," encapsulates the bold vision required to achieve extraordinary things. This idea resonates throughout the book, illustrating how the grand ambitions of the fair inspired people and drove monumental change, while simultaneously contrasting with the sinister actions of Holmes, which stirred fear and unease amidst the celebration of progress.