Description
Book SynopsisAn examination of the obsession for new technology in Britain and Germany between 1890 and 1945. It explains how Germans and Britons nurtured a fascination for aviation, glamorous passenger liners and film as they lived through profound social transformations and two wars.
Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'Why not start this review with praise? Bernhard Rieger's book …. not only addresses a central theme in debates about modernity in the nineteenth and twentieth century; it is also fluently written and offers original insights for cultural historians and scholars interested in political questions. Finally, the author does not shy away from the big questions including National Socialism's modernity as well as the relationship between Nazi crimes and modern technology and science.' H-Soz-u-Kult
Review of the hardback: ' …a far-reaching and penetrating account of how the 'culture of modernity' forever remade Britain and Germany … well written and clearly argued.' Paul Betts, Journal of Modern History
Review of the hardback: ' … an original and welcome contribution … [Rieger] exercises his knack for inspired choices. Rieger's unique contribution is to identify the dynamic link between pessimism and optimism in all visions of modernity … an impressive engagement of scholarship.' Michael Thad Allen, Business History Review
Review of the hardback: ' … a conceptually ambitious and substantively wide-ranging study … a fascinating, important, and provocative work that should be read by all those interested in how societies understand and promote technology.' Mary Nolan, Central European History
From the hardback review: ' … very convincing … this bright book is also well written and tells a plethora of thrilling stories.' Ulrich Wengenroth, Historische Zeitschrift
Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. 'Modern Wonders': technological innovation and public ambivalence; 3. Accidents: the physical risks of technology; 4. Elusive illusions: the cultural and political properties of film; 5. Pilots as popular heroes: risk, gender and the aeroplane; 6. 'Floating palaces': passenger liners as objects of pleasure; 7. Fantasy as social practice: the rise of amateur film; 8. Technology and the nation in Britain and Germany; 9. Conclusion; Bibliography.
