Plot summary, “The Victorian Internet” by Tom Standage in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's On-line Pioneers" is a non-fiction book written by Tom Standage. First published in 1998, the book explores the fascinating history of the telegraph and its impact on society during the 19th century, often drawing parallels with the modern internet.
In "The Victorian Internet," Tom Standage highlights how the telegraph revolutionized communication in the 1800s, much like how the internet transformed communication in the 20th and 21st centuries. Standage emphasizes that the telegraph was not just a means of transmitting messages; it also brought about significant social, economic, and cultural changes.
The book delves into the development of the telegraph technology, tracing its origins and the pioneering work of inventors like Samuel Morse and others. It describes how the telegraph network expanded rapidly across countries and continents, connecting people in ways previously unimaginable. Standage presents anecdotes and stories of individuals whose lives were impacted by this new mode of communication.
The telegraph allowed for near-instantaneous communication across long distances, revolutionizing businesses, finance, news reporting, and even diplomacy. It enabled stock markets to operate on a global scale, sped up the dissemination of news, and facilitated international diplomacy and military operations.
Moreover, the book also explores the social impact of the telegraph, such as its influence on interpersonal relationships, its role in shaping public opinion, and the cultural changes it brought about. People's perceptions of time and distance changed as they became accustomed to communicating quickly over vast distances.
"The Victorian Internet" is not just a historical account but also a thoughtful analysis of how technological advancements can reshape societies and human interactions. Standage draws intriguing parallels between the telegraph era and the information age of the internet, showing that the fundamental aspects of human communication and social behavior remain constant, regardless of the technology involved.