The Victorian Internet

Tom Standage. The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's On-line Pioneers. New York: Berkley Books, 1998.

Standage published this brief popular history of the rise and fall of the telegraph with an obvious focus on the parallels between the "Victorian internet" and the modern internet which was still a novelty for most of the public in the late 90s. As a science and technology journalist, he was most interested in how then-contemporary events mirrored an earlier communications revolution that first created a 'wired' world. His interest, then, was somewhat cautionary; although he doesn't belabor the point, he clearly wishes to warn technophiles not to go overboard with expectations about what changes the internet could--and likely would--bring forth.

That is not to say that this is bad history; Standage is a fine writer with a journalist's eye for telling detail and interest-grabbing anecdotes, but he also knows enough to ground both the beginning and the end of telegraphy's 'golden age' in prior and subsequent developments. This is still a story of change over time, grounded in facts derived from primary sources.

Therefore, while there might be little deep historical analysis, the essential narrative here is clear and concise; for readers who just need a brief outline of the basics of the history of what was once the communications wonder of the world, this somewhat dated but still enjoyable book will serve admirably.

Mapping the Nation

Susan Schulten. Mapping the Nation: History and Cartography in Nineteenth-Century America. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2012.

Schulten's short book is tied to an online supplement, http://www.mappingthenation.com/, and given that the subject of the book is the rise of historical mapping and thematic cartography in nineteenth-century America, it is best appreciated by frequent reference to the many visually arresting maps on the website. If this was a cost-saving measure, it was a wise one as it would have greatly increased the price of the book to include full-color reproductions of all the images included.

The book is divided into two parts, "Mapping the Past" and "Mapping the Present." Part one recounts the rise of the concept of the "historical atlas" not just as a way to document the past of maps but a way for a new nation to create a historical "national" past. The collection of older maps, then, became a way to validate the territorial pretenses of the United States.

Part two recounts the rise of thematic mapping, and its role in creating a national perspective for Americans and their government. The rise of statistical study to produce raw data and new ways to quantify reality, the development of lithography which allowed for the fast and affordable reproduction of maps for a broad audience, and various national crises (including the issue of slavery, the Civil War, epidemic disease outbreaks, Westward expansion and the fate of American Indians) promoted the rise of new, map-oriented experts who sought to create maps that both illustrated reality and served as tools of inquiry.

A little-appreciated aspect of American history which is well served by the author. Highly recommended.