To what extent is Larson highlighting technology as a marvel to be celebrated in The Devil in the White City?

"To what extent" questions are always tricky because they
require one to make a comparative judgement--more or less than something you choose as
the norm or the standard. In The Devil in the White City, the
celebration of technology is the third marvel in the story. First, the Chicago World's
Fair is an accomplishment of sheer will and perseverance by Daniel Burnham. He overcomes
obstacles from both man and nature and perseveres in an overwhelmingly amazing way. The
fact that the Fair happened at all is the first marvel. The second, and almost equal,
element is a marvel at the other end of the spectrum. Henry Holmes manages to
orchestrate horrific acts, representing the very worst of human nature, in virtually the
same arena as the best the world has to offer. More than thirty million people visit the
city, and Holmes does not get caught until the end. This is their
story, and the technology cannot compete with that. The technological advancements are,
indeed, marvelous; however, they are a celebration of the spirit of ingenuity more than
a revelation about human nature, which is what we get as we examine the contrast between
the two men.