A great read for those whose interested in understanding the historical background of the huge information empires today. It carefully analyses the rise and fall of the information empires of the past and Tim Wu comes up with am interesting explanation of cyclic changes present in the industry. He dissect all major information empires of the twentieth century and the early twenty first century and argues on how his pattern fits in the changing world.A must read for all those who are interested in contemporary history especially in the history of Information technologies. Essentially a history of technology in North America in the 20th century, focusing on the extraordinary history of (all things) Bell Communications.That exceedingly rare book that attempts to be both ambitious in scope and specific in approach. And almost unique in my experience, it succeeds. The tone is blunt in the pitfalls we have already succumbed to, and risk in the future. It's also starry-eyed in hope for the information infrastructure we may build and use in the near future. But only if we know what we're trying to build, and why.Deeply impressed. I'll read this again.
One of the best books on evolution of media as we see it today
—SheilaPants
Well done. Great blend of insight and entertainment.
—matty
Good book on the story of AT&T.
—Rebeccalouise
