| Description |
x, 287 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm |
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text txt rdacontent |
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still image sti rdacontent |
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unmediated n rdamedia |
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volume nc rdacarrier |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 210-263) and index. |
| Contents |
Introduction : progress or threat? -- The prophets : their backgrounds and ambitions -- How we'll live -- Where we'll live -- Communicating and computing -- Getting around -- Taking to the air -- Journey into space -- War -- Energy and environment -- Human nature -- Epilogue : plus ça change? |
| Summary |
In this wide-ranging survey, Peter J. Bowler explores the phenomemon of futurology: predictions about the future development and impact of science and technology on society and culture in the twentieth century. Utilizing science fiction, popular science literature and the novels of the literary elite, Bowler highlights contested responses to the potential for revolutionary social change brought about by real and imagined scientific innovations. Charting the effect of social and military developments on attitudes toward innovation in Europe and America, Bowler shows how conflict between the enthusiasm of technocrats and the pessimism of their critics was presented to the public in books, magazines and exhibitions, and on the radio and television. A series of case studies reveals the impact of technologies such as radio, aviation, space exploration and genetics, exploring rivalries between innovators and the often unexpected outcome of their efforts to produce mechanisms and machines that could change the world. |
| Subject |
Forecasting.
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Science fiction -- History and criticism.
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Forecasting. (OCoLC)fst00931721
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Science fiction. (OCoLC)fst01108566
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| Genre/Form |
Criticism, interpretation, etc. (OCoLC)fst01411635
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Fiction.
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| ISBN |
9781107148734 (hbk.) |
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1107148731 (hardback) |
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9781316602621 (paperback) |
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1316602621 (paperback) |
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