Technology in America

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS EDITIONS 'Marcus and Segal have produced the first comprehensive textbook on the history of American technology. The treatment, which covers the period from the early seventeenth century through the very recent past, may be characterized as one embedding technology within a matrix of social, political, economic, and cultural history. ... Reflecting the authors' mastery of recent scholarship, the book deserves a place in all academic and public libraries as well as consideration for college class use.' - Choice; recognized as a Choice Outstanding Academic Book.

Now in a thoroughly updated new edition, this successful textbook surveys the history of technology in America from the 1600s to the 21st century. Alan I Marcus and Howard P. Segal explore the effect society, culture, politics and economics have had upon technological advances, and place the evolution of American technology within the broader context of the development of systems such as transportation and communications. This unique book connects phenomena such as colonial printing presses with the American Revolution; early photographs with the creation of an allegedly unique American character; and high-tech advances in biotechnology with a growing desire for individual autonomy. This is an ideal resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the history of technology, the history of science, and American history.