Customer Reviews

Resisting the Virtual Life: The Culture and Politics of Information

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Editors Brook and Boal have compiled an excellent collection of essays about computers and their broad impact on society. At times depressing and uplifting, this book is required reading for anyone who is a serious student of computer culture and its implications on our modern society. Many academics contribute, so the text at times takes on an elitist air (in one essay, it really helps to know French), but then again the book not intended for a general audience. Luddites and computer enthusiasts both should read this fine book, a welcome dose of reality after the ceaseless hoopla that surrounds the Internet.

In an age of continuous cyber-hype, Boal collects a set of essays that take a rare critical look at technology foregrounding its hidden history, assumptions and impact. Far from rejecting technology altogether, these authors urge radically democratic engagement with technology. Though over ten years old, this text remains insightful and prescient, particularly in their warnings about corporate monopolization of media. Published by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the essays are challenging but delightfully full of helpful metaphors and enlightening connections to history, philosophy, sociology, psychology, art and pop culture. HIGHLY recommended for the thinking cybernaut.