Informatica: Mastering Information through the Ages

Informatica, by Alex Wright, explores the history of the information age, showing how information systems have evolved and how we are not the first generation to grapple with information overload. Wright suggests that the future of the information age may lie in our cultural past, providing a historical perspective to help us understand the predicament of data overload.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Informatica, an updated edition of Alex Wright's previously published Glut, delves into the captivating journey through the history of the information age, unveiling the emergence of information systems. While the contemporary information explosion may appear as a modern phenomenon, it is important to recognize that we are not the first generation, nor even the first species, to grapple with the challenges of information overload.

Long before the advent of computers, human beings have been engaged in the intricate processes of collecting, storing, and organizing information. From the taxonomies of the Ice Age to the archives of ancient civilizations like Sumerian and Greek, from the libraries of medieval monasteries to the encyclopedias of the Renaissance, and even to the early computer networks of the 20th century, our ancestors have left a rich tapestry of knowledge and wisdom.

Informatica, written by Alex Wright, skillfully weaves a narrative that connects seemingly disparate topics, ranging from insect colonies to Stone Age jewelry, medieval monasteries to Renaissance encyclopedias, early computer networks to the World Wide Web. Through this intricate tapestry, Wright offers insightful perspectives and suggests that the future of the information age may be deeply rooted in our cultural past.

As we navigate the tumultuous waters of the modern information age, we find ourselves standing at a precipice, grappling with a tidal wave of data. Wright's historical perspective provides much-needed illumination, helping us understand the predicament of information overload not merely as a result of technological advancements but as the latest chapter in an ancient story that we are only beginning to unravel.

Informatica offers a valuable lens through which we can explore the evolution of information systems and their profound impact on society. By delving into our cultural heritage, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that we face in this ever-changing digital landscape. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the information age, let us be guided by the wisdom and insights of our predecessors and strive to create a future that is informed, interconnected, and sustainable.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501768675