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Michael Fisch

Anthropology of the Machine: Tokyo's Commuter Train Network

Anthropology of the Machine: Tokyo's Commuter Train Network

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  • More about Anthropology of the Machine: Tokyo's Commuter Train Network

A technological analysis of the incredible complexity of the Tokyo subway system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press


Tokyo's commuter train network is a remarkable feat of engineering, renowned for its crowded cars and disciplined commuters. In his book "An Anthropology of the Machine," Michael Fisch delves into the intricate details of this complex system, offering a nuanced perspective on how it embodies the lived realities of technology in our modern world. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of transportation, work, and everyday life in Tokyo, Fisch showcases how fitting into a system that operates on the extreme edge of sustainability can have a profound impact on a community, both physically and emotionally.

At the same time, "An Anthropology of the Machine" is a thought-provoking exploration of our relationship with technology and the potential ecological futures we can envision. Fisch challenges us to consider the implications of our ever-growing population and the strain it puts on our infrastructure. He paints a vivid picture of a future in which more and more of our infrastructure, and even the planet itself, will have to operate beyond capacity to accommodate our needs.

Through his creative ethnographic study of the culture, history, and experience of commuting in Tokyo, Fisch offers an unblinking glimpse into what it might be like to inhabit such a future. He explores the ways in which technology has shaped the way we live, work, and interact with each other, as well as the challenges and opportunities that arise from our reliance on it.

"An Anthropology of the Machine" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, society, and the environment. It provides a thought-provoking and insightful perspective on the future of our world, and challenges us to consider the choices we make today that will shape our collective destiny.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226558554

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