The Victorian Internet

The Victorian Internet chronicles the rise and fall of the telegraph, highlighting its revolutionary impact on communication, business, and society.

The book details how the telegraph, independently invented in England and the United States, evolved into a global communication system, enabling rapid transmission of messages across continents.

Standage explores the social and cultural implications of this technology, including the formation of a global community of telegraph operators, online romances, and the speculative and often misguided predictions about its impact.

The book also draws analogies between the telegraph and the modern internet, showcasing similarities in their development and societal effects.