The Rise and Fall of Information EmpiresFrom the world’s preeminent historian of technology comes the
story of the battle raging between apple and google over the
soul of the Internet. With their conflicting vision of
information democracy versus corporate autocracy, it is a
titanic clash; only one brand will survive, and that brand will
shape our future.
'
The Master Switch is brilliant... a must read for those who
want to know more about the future of the Internet' Josh
Silverman, CEO, Skype
‘A masterpiece.’ Lawrence Lessig, Professor of law, Harvard
University
‘An explosive history that makes it clear how the information
business became what it is today. Important reading.’ Chris
Anderson, author of “THE LONG TAIL”
The Internet Age: an era of unprecedented freedom in both
communication and culture. However each major new medium,
from telephone to satellite television, has crested a wave of
similar idealistic optimism, before succumbing to the inevitable
undertow of industrial consolidation. Every once free and open
technology has, in time, become centralized and closed; a huge
corporate power taking control of the 'master switch.' Today, as
a similar struggle looms over the Internet, increasingly the
pipeline of all other media, the stakes have never been higher.
Part industrial expose, part meditation on the nature of freedom
of expression, The Master Switch brings to light a crucial drama
- rife with indelible characters - played out over decades in the
shadows of global communication.
"A must read for all who want to remain the ones deciding what they can read, watch or listed to" - Arianna Huffington, Founder, Huffington Post