Why people recommend it
Nexus is an in-depth historical study examining telegraph cables and global government communication networks during the early twentieth century. Chris Miller recommended this book on The Ezra Klein Show during the April 2023 episode titled The Most Amazing — and Dangerous — Technology in the World, as well as the December 2023 Best Of episode. Presenting it as his second reading recommendation, Miller noted that the book naturally picks up on broader themes and discussions surrounding networks that were explored during the interview. He highlighted that what is particularly striking about the study is the extent to which governments across the entire world recognized the profound significance of telegraph infrastructure during that era. By focusing on the physical and geopolitical backbones of early global communication, the book provides vital context for understanding how modern interconnectedness and statecraft first emerged. Miller's endorsement drew attention to the historical parallels between early twentieth-century communication networks and contemporary technological dependencies, making it a compelling read for those fascinated by the intersection of infrastructure, geopolitics, and history.
Who recommended it
- Chris Miller Recommended
Chris Miller — 2 mentions
“a second book I'd recommend which picks up on a lot of the discussions we've had about networks is a book called Nexus by Jonathan Winkler which is a a study of telegraph cables during the early 20th century and what's striking about it is the extent to which all of the world's governments saw telegraph cables as not only”
“a second book I'd recommend which picks up on a lot of the discussions we've had about networks is a book called Nexus by Jonathan Winkler which is a a study of telegraph cables during the early 20th century”