About the book
The new edition of a milestone work on the global history of technology.
This milestone history of technology, first published in 1990 and now revised and expanded in light of recent research, broke new ground by taking a global view, avoiding the conventional Eurocentric perspective and placing the development of technology squarely in the context of a \"world civilization.\" Case studies include \"technological dialogues\" between China and West Asia in the eleventh century, medieval African states and the Islamic world, and the United States and Japan post-1950. It examines railway empires through the examples of Russia and Japan and explores current synergies of innovation in energy supply and smartphone technology through African cases.
The book uses the term \"technological dialogue\" to challenges the top-down concept of \"technology transfer,\" showing instead that technologies are typically modified to fit local needs and conditions, often triggering further innovation. The authors trace these encounters and exchanges over a thousand years, examining changes in such technologies as agriculture, firearms, printing, electricity, and railroads. A new chapter brings the narrative into the twenty-first century, discussing technological developments including petrochemicals, aerospace, and digitalization from often unexpected global viewpoints and asking what new kind of industrial revolution is needed to meet the challenges of the Anthropocene.
Editions of Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262542463
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262366281
Read an Excerpt
The new edition of a milestone work on the global history of technology.
This milestone history of technology, first published in 1990 and now revised and expanded in light of recent research, broke new ground by taking a global view, avoiding the conventional Eurocentric perspective and placing the development of technology squarely in the context of a \"world civilization.\" Case studies include \"technological dialogues\" between China and West Asia in the eleventh century, medieval African states and the Islamic world, and the United States and Japan post-1950. It examines railway empires through the examples of Russia and Japan and explores current synergies of innovation in energy supply and smartphone technology through African cases.
The book uses the term \"technological dialogue\" to challenges the top-down concept of \"technology transfer,\" showing instead that technologies are typically modified to fit local needs and conditions, often triggering further innovation. The authors trace these encounters and exchanges over a thousand years, examining changes in such technologies as agriculture, firearms, printing, electricity, and railroads. A new chapter brings the narrative into the twenty-first century, discussing technological developments including petrochemicals, aerospace, and digitalization from often unexpected global viewpoints and asking what new kind of industrial revolution is needed to meet the challenges of the Anthropocene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition about?
The new edition of a milestone work on the global history of technology.
This milestone history of technology, first published in 1990 and now revised and expanded in light of recent research, broke new ground by taking a global view, avoiding the conventional Eurocentric perspective and placing the development of technology squarely in the context of a \"world civilization.\" Case studies include \"technological dialogues\" between China and West Asia in the eleventh century, medieval African states and the Islamic world, and the United States and Japan post-1950. It examines railway empires through the examples of Russia and Japan and explores current synergies of innovation in energy supply and smartphone technology through African cases.
The book uses the term \"technological dialogue\" to challenges the top-down concept of \"technology transfer,\" showing instead that technologies are typically modified to fit local needs and conditions, often triggering further innovation. The authors trace these encounters and exchanges over a thousand years, examining changes in such technologies as agriculture, firearms, printing, electricity, and railroads. A new chapter brings the narrative into the twenty-first century, discussing technological developments including petrochemicals, aerospace, and digitalization from often unexpected global viewpoints and asking what new kind of industrial revolution is needed to meet the challenges of the Anthropocene.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition?
Mathematics and Science > Science: general issues > Impact of science and technology on society
Where can I read a sample of Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262542463
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition?
Arnold Pacey, Francesca Bray
Who is the Publisher of the book Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition is available as paperback(ISBN 9780262542463) and ebook(ISBN 9780262366281)
Where can I buy Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition from below
Where can I buy Technology in World Civilization, revised and expanded edition?