The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848879857 ISBN 13: 9781848879850

Synopsis

The Internet Age: on the face of it, an era of unprecedented freedom in both communication and culture. Yet in the past, each major new medium, from telephone to satellite television, has crested on a wave of similar idealistic optimism, before succumbing to the inevitable undertow of industrial consolidation. Every once free and open technology has, in time, become centralized and closed; as corporate power has taken control of the 'master switch.' Today a similar struggle looms over the Internet, and as it increasingly supersedes all other media the stakes have never been higher. Part industrial expose, part examination of freedom of expression, "The Master Switch" reveals a crucial drama - full of indelible characters - as it has played out over decades in the shadows of global communication. It is suitable for readers of Nicholas Carr's "The Shallows", Clay Shirky's "Cognitive Surplus" and "Googled" by Ken Auletta.

About this title

Review

"'Every now and then a book changes the way we understand the world. The Master Switch is such an achievement... rigorous... imaginative... enthralling.' Steve Coll, author of Ghost Wars"

From the Publisher

From the world's preeminent historian of technology comes the story of the battle raging between Apple and Google over the soul of the Internet. With their conflicting vision of information democracy versus corporate autocracy, it is a titanic clash: only one brand will survive, and that brand will shape our future.

Edition details

• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1848879857
• ISBN 13: 9781848879850
• Binding: Paperback