American Technological Sublime

Technology has long played a central role in the formation of Americans' sense of selfhood. From the first canal systems through the moon landing, we have, for better or worse, derived unity from the common feeling of awe inspired by largescale applications of technological prowess. American Technological Sublime continues the exploration of the social construction of technology that David Nye began in his award-winning book Electrifying America. Here Nye examines the continuing appeal...
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Technology has long played a central role in the formation of Americans' sense of selfhood. From the first canal systems through the moon landing, we have, for better or worse, derived unity from the common feeling of awe inspired by largescale applications of technological prowess. American Technological Sublime continues the exploration of the social construction of technology that David Nye began in his award-winning book Electrifying America. Here Nye examines the continuing appeal of the technological sublime (a term coined by Perry Miller) as a key to the nation's history, using as examples the natural sites, architectural forms, and technological achievements that ordinary people have valued intensely. This text is a study of the politics of perception in industrial society.