The Shock Of The Old

Offers a global account of the place of technology in twentieth century history. This book aims to challenge the idea that we live in an era of ever increasing change, and so dismisses naivetes about 'the information age'. Interweaving political and cultural history, it shows what it means to think critically about technology and its importance.

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Whereas standard histories of technology give tired old accounts of the usual inventions - planes, bombs - The Shock of the Old is based on a different idea. Its thrust is that for the full picture of the history of technology we need to know not about what a few people invented, but about what everyday people used - and when they actually used things, if it was a long time after invention. It therefore reassesses the significance of, for example, the Pill and IT, and shows the continued importance of technology such as corrugated iron and sewing machines. In taking this approach, The Shock of the Old challenges the idea that we live in an era of ever increasing change. Interweaving political, economic and cultural history, it will show what it means to think critically about technology and its importance.