First published 1984
Lewis Mumford traces the development of mechanical technology and its impact on human civilization. He examines how machines evolved from simple tools to complex systems that reshape social structures, work patterns, and daily life. Mumford draws evidence from architecture, art, economics, and culture to build his analysis. He explores both the benefits and costs of technological progress, showing how mechanical thinking influences human relationships and social organization. The book covers the rise of industrial production, changes in urban planning, and shifts in human values. Mumford argues that understanding this technological transformation is crucial for navigating modern life. The work offers readers a comprehensive view of how mechanical civilization developed and continues to shape contemporary society.
Genres: 20th-century, non-fiction, art-history, architecture, academic, history-of-science
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic
Period: 20th-Century
495 pages · Hardcover · Rutledge & Kegan Paul Ltd