Crossed wires : the conflicted history of US telecommunications, from the post office to the internet

1. Paths into an Imperial Republic : Posts And Telegraphs 2. Anti-Monopoly, in the Country and the City 3. Business Realignment, Federal Intervention, Class Confrontation 4. Reactivating Reform 5. Telegraph Workers in Depression and War 6. The Punishing Passage to Telephone Unionism 7. Consumption and Public Utility 8. Patents Under Pressure, 1920s-1950s 9. Activists and Dissidents : The 1960s 10. Innovation, Dissensus, And Reaction from Above 11. Telecommunications and American Empire

This book explores the evolution of telecommunications, its impact on human interactions, and the challenges they present. It highlights the concept of "crossed wires", symbolizing miscommunication and the unintended consequences of technological progress. The author critiques the commercialization of communication technologies, arguing it prioritizes profit over public good. The book also explores the cultural and social dimensions of communication, urging readers to consider societal implications and promote a more equitable communication landscape.