The shock of the old: technology and global history since 1900

TLDR

The book offers the first global account of technology’s role in twentieth‑century history, challenging conventional narratives that focus solely on inventions such as planes and bombs. It argues that a complete history of technology must examine everyday use and the timing of adoption, not just the inventors. The authors interweave political, economic, and cultural histories to critically assess technology’s significance. Reassessing items like the Pill, IT, corrugated iron, and sewing machines, the study contests the notion of relentless change and refutes naïve claims about the information age.

Abstract

first proper global account of the place of technology in twentieth century history, this brilliant, thought-provoking book will radically revise our understanding of the relationship between technology and society. 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 and so dismisses naivetes about 'the information age'. Interweaving political, economic and cultural history, it will show what it means to think critically about technology and its importance.