Blood in the Machine
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Blood in the Machine
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Blood in the Machine
The "rich and gripping" true story of the first time machines came for human jobs-and how the Luddite uprising explains the power, threat, and toll of big tech and AI today (Naomi Klein)
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionBlood in the Machine by Brian Merchant is a riveting exploration of the past, present, and future of automation. This meticulously researched book takes readers on a journey beginning two hundred years ago in rural England, where a group of brave workers known as the Luddites launched a revolution. Facing the destruction of their livelihoods by factory owners who embraced automated machines, the Luddites chose to fight rather than succumb to starvation and poverty. They organised secretive guerrilla raids, smashing the machines that threatened their way of life, all under the shadow of the death penalty.
In an astonishing narrative that reads like a thriller, Merchant vividly portrays the intensity of the Luddite revolt. Their actions drew significant attention, garnering the support of literary figure Lord Byron, enraging the Prince Regent, and arguably laying the groundwork for the genre of science fiction. This all-but-forgotten class struggle brought socio-economic turmoil to nineteenth-century England, showcasing the extraordinary lengths people will go to in defence of their dignity and survival.
Fast forward to the present day, the story Merchant tells resonates deeply with our current technological landscape. As automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics begin to permeate every aspect of our economy, millions of jobs are at risk. Factories and workplaces are increasingly dominated by robots, leading us to question how these changes will affect our way of life and what measures we can take in response.
Merchant seamlessly intertwines these two periods, drawing lucid parallels between the past and the present. Through comprehensive analysis and evocative storytelling, Blood in the Machine illuminates how the technological advancements that began with the Industrial Revolution are still shaping our society and will likely continue to do so. It serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, urging readers to consider the implications of unchecked technological progress and to envision a fairer, more equitable future.
Delve deeper into this fascinating history and thought-provoking present with Brian Merchant's Blood in the Machine. It promises to be an enlightening read, blending historical drama with contemporary analysis to offer invaluable insights into the ongoing dialogue surrounding technology and society.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reviewers praise Blood in the Machine for its riveting, immersive narrative, deeply researched historical context, and its relevance to current technological and labour issues. They highlight the book as an eye-opening re-evaluation of the Luddite movement, connecting it intelligently to modern-day struggles with tech giants and the gig economy. The engaging writing and timely argument make it highly recommended by critics.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780316487740
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 12 October 2023
Country: United States
Imprint: Little, Brown & Company
Illustration: Approximately 12 b/w photos/illustrations
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 46.0mm
Width: 160.0mm
Height: 236.0mm
Weight: 740g
Pages: 496
About the Author
Brian Merchant is the bestselling author of THE ONE DEVICE and a senior editor of Motherboard, VICE's science and technology outlet. He is also the founder of Terraform, its online fiction outlet, and his work has appeared in The Guardian, Slate, VICE Magazine, Salon, Fast Company, Discovery, GOOD, Paste, Grist, and beyond.
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