In "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson explores the intricacies of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, highlighting its grand achievements alongside the dark elements of the time. One fascinating detail is the enormous use of materials, illustrated by the staggering figure that the wheel utilized 28,416 pounds of bolts during its construction. This emphasizes the scale and engineering marvel of the Ferris wheel, a key attraction of the Fair.

Larson weaves together the stories of the Fair's architects and the sinister presence of a serial killer in the city. As the Fair represents innovation and celebration, the mention of the wheel's bolts reflects not only the physical labor behind such monumental projects but also the larger societal and cultural transformations occurring in America during that era.