Gardner, Robert; Shortelle, Dennis

From Talking Drums to the Internet: an Encyclopedia of Communications Technology

The world is currently caught up in a profound social transformation set in motion by communications technology. In more than 210 articles, this volume traces methods of human communication, emphasizing technology and its chronological development.; The focus is primarily on the 20th century, when the pace of innovation exploded and we progressed from listening to radio to watching colour television and attempting communication with extraterrestrials.; The text discusses sign language, cave paintings, motion pictures, e-mail, cell phones, electronic publishing, satellites, telepathy, the Information Superhighway, microelectronics, and videos. The workings of each of these technologies and their applications are clearly explained, as are their social implications. Designed for those readers seeking the knowledge they will need to navigate the Information Superhighway.