The Connectivity of Things: Network Cultures since 1832 by Sebastian Giessmann (review).

The Connectivity of Things by Sebastian Giessmann examines how networks have historically enabled new forms of communication and social interaction while reshaping society, situating networks as culturally embedded and materially diverse rather than universal categories. The book analyzes networks t...

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Publicado en:Technology & Culture Vol. 67; no. 1; pp. 258 - 261
Autor principal: Diogo, Maria Paula
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Johns Hopkins University Press Jan2026
Materias:
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        atl: The Connectivity of Things: Network Cultures since 1832 by Sebastian Giessmann (review).
      aug:
        au: Diogo, Maria Paula
      su:
        Social interaction
        Eurocentrism
        Computer networks
        Media studies
        Network society
        Communication infrastructure
        Interdisciplinary research
      sug:
        subj:
          Social interaction
          Eurocentrism
          Computer networks
          Media studies
          Network society
          Computer Systems Design Services
          Communication infrastructure
          Interdisciplinary research
      ab: The Connectivity of Things by Sebastian Giessmann examines how networks have historically enabled new forms of communication and social interaction while reshaping society, situating networks as culturally embedded and materially diverse rather than universal categories. The book analyzes networks through a fourfold typology—objects, metaphors, infrastructures, and diagrams—and explores the visual history of network diagrams across scientific, corporate, and political domains from the 1830s to the present. While the work offers a rich interdisciplinary synthesis valuable to specialists in history, media studies, and related fields, it has been noted for uneven transitions between chapters, limited engagement with critiques of network thinking, and a predominantly European focus. Overall, the book contributes to understanding networks as historically situated constructs and invites further reflection on the conceptual boundaries and power dynamics within network analysis.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Article
      src: R
    language: English
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