Geschichte der Eisenbahnreise

With masterful knowledge of historical material and theoretical brilliance, Wolfgang Schivelbusch narrates how the introduction of the railway during the industrial revolution in the 19th century not only transformed the economy, infrastructure, and urban landscape but also completely renewed the perception of time and space, speed and landscape. Schivelbusch describes the psychological distress that accompanied the breakthrough of the technical power unleashed by humans and how efforts were made to counteract the disorientation of passengers through comfortable furnishings and increased comfort. He also illustrates the social connections that develop among travelers in compartments and open-plan carriages. This is a rapid yet elegant in-depth analysis of our civilization and the culturally formative role of technology: a classic of cultural studies.