Wiring the world : the social and cultural creation of global telegraph networks / Simone M. Müller.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The successful laying of a transatlantic cable in 1866 remade world communications. A message could travel across the ocean in minutes, shrinking the space between continents, cultures, and nations. An eclectic group of engineers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and media visionaries then developed this technology into a telecommunications system that spread a particular vision of civilization--but not everyone wanted to wire the world the same way.

Wiring the World is a cultural and social history that explores how the large Anglo-American cable companies won out over alternative visions. Bitter rivalries emerged over telegram prices, visions for world peace, scientific innovation, and the role of the nation-state. Such struggles determined the growth of cable technology, which in turn influenced world history. Filled with fascinating characters and new insights into pivotal events, Wiring the World traces globalization's diverse paths and close ties to business and politics.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

More than 300 submarine cables cross the oceans today carrying the bulk of internet traffic across the globe in seconds. Before the 1850s, information would take weeks or months to reach a destination. That changed when Cyrus Field and a small team of visionaries formed the Atlantic Telegraph Company and laid the first successful submarine telegraphic cable, making them 19th-century rock stars. It was a high stakes risk that made personal fortunes, united nations, enhanced commerce, and promised world harmony among civilized cultures. While the last part of the venture didn't materialize, the story of submarine cables and how they changed the world is a fascinating history of personal triumphs, engineering achievement, and globalized communication. The clash of personalities, establishment of professional organizations, and celebration of momentous achievement are all presented in this intriguing account. The author carefully researched the personalities involved in this endeavor, the political ramifications, and the industry that grew up around the undersea cable business. This book includes appendixes of key people and notes. Müller (Univ. of Freiburg, Germany) creates an excellent resource for communications history. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. --Roger Davis, Kent State University