Literature, Technology, and Modernity, 1860–2000

Nicholas Daly explores the depiction of human-machine interactions from the 1860s, highlighting how these encounters reflect the evolution of modern subjectivity and the impact of industrial society on individual experiences.

In Literature, Technology, and Modernity, 1860–2000, Nicholas Daly explores the evolving relationship between humans and machines, beginning with the 1860s. He examines how these encounters have been depicted in literature and culture, highlighting the dramatic collisions—both literal and metaphorical—that symbolize the complexities of individual existence within an industrial society. Daly argues that these moments of conflict reflect the broader themes of modernity, illustrating the tension between human agency and technological advancement.

Daly's analysis starts with Victorian railway melodramas, where the suspense of a near-miss with a train encapsulates the precariousness of modern life. He traces this narrative thread through various literary works, culminating in J.G. Ballard's novel Crash, where characters actively seek out violent collisions. This progression underscores a shift in perception, from a fear of technology to a fascination with its potential for transformation, revealing how fiction allows individuals to grapple with the rapid pace of change in their lives.

The book ultimately suggests that the enjoyment derived from fictional suspense serves as a coping mechanism for the anxieties brought about by industrial modernity. By engaging with these narratives, readers can better understand their own experiences in a world increasingly defined by technological influence. Literature, Technology, and Modernity, 1860–2000 is a thought-provoking work that will appeal to scholars interested in modernism, literature, and film, offering valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between humanity and machinery.