Shop Viral Toys & Games Now

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

  1. A Thread Across the Ocean: The Heroic Story of the Transatlantic Cable – An Epic 19th-Century Achievement that United America
    A Thread Across the Ocean: The Heroic Story of the Transatlantic Cable – An Epic 19th-Century Achievement that United America and Europe
    4.675
    $9.42
  2. An Edible History of Humanity
    An Edible History of Humanity
    4.4977
    $10.45
  3. Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2,000 Years
    Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2,000 Years
    4.2268
    $27.92
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows.
Buy New
-6% $16.85
FREE delivery Saturday, July 18 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$16.85 with 6 percent savings
List Price: $18.00 Image
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Saturday, July 18 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, July 14. Order within 11 hrs 5 mins. Join Prime
In Stock
$$16.85 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.85
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Shipper / Seller
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Shipper / Seller
Amazon.com
Returns
FREE 30-day refund/replacement
FREE 30-day refund/replacement
Quick refund
Usually issued within 24 hours. See exceptions
FREE return
At least one free return option available.
Convenient dropoff
At any of our 50,000 US locations.
See return policy
Gift options
Available at checkout
Available at checkout This item is a gift. Change
At checkout, you can add a custom message, a gift receipt for easy returns and have the item gift-wrapped
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$6.51
May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less See less
FREE delivery July 20 - 22. Details
In stock
$$16.85 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.85
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore.
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

  • The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's On-line Pioneers

Follow the author

Get new release updates & improved recommendations
Tom Standage
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's On-line Pioneers

by Tom Standage (Author) Format: Paperback
4.5 out of 5 stars (495)
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$16.85","priceAmount":16.85,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"16","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"85","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"51tyVUWd1ffPlQ0UMSIXqZM53VvGiqQeYLnq%2FjnBEavzDodXWWgqBo9tWur0e2RDOx03dOKp%2FOsTMVf1FqLzqmB1YhMG4SboPKwkSICqhddjybvjeNZCxNhTHUWMsettTm7C88RcMIvNzs3NRFqzNg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$6.51","priceAmount":6.51,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"51","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"51tyVUWd1ffPlQ0UMSIXqZM53VvGiqQejBLvqdk47UEHBitS32Usb0WVdSiue7MdqSLER4U1OWcldOal9LWy%2BFUSu8wLC2XOvfO2VLIY8HWSNCJHnWsR%2FnkppyUGI1YUx8nvn2wOxZEI716kyRry7gOHQPkX%2FYqT7d75mT5MPf2UCUbLXIa%2B8ivpBp%2BNqlML","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A new paperback edition of the book the Wall Street Journal dubbed “a Dot-Com cult classic,” by the bestselling author of A History of the World in 6 Glasses-the fascinating story of the telegraph, the world's first “Internet.”

The Victorian Internet tells the colorful story of the telegraph's creation and remarkable impact, and of the visionaries, oddballs, and eccentrics who pioneered it, from the eighteenth-century French scientist Jean-Antoine Nollet to Samuel F. B. Morse and Thomas Edison. The electric telegraph nullified distance and shrank the world quicker and further than ever before or since, and its story mirrors and predicts that of the Internet in numerous ways.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Bloomsbury USA
  4. Publication date
    February 25, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    5.1 x 0.75 x 7.65 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    162040592X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1620405925
Next slide of product details
Read poolside to seaside.Shop kindle Paperwhite. pantry

Frequently bought together

Image
This item: The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's On-line Pioneers
$16.85
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jul 18
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Information: A History, A Theory, A Flood
$16.57
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jul 18
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation
$12.46
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jul 18
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Page 1 of 1 Start over
Previous set of slides
  2. An Edible History of Humanity
    Tom Standage
     
    Paperback
    $10.45
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Jul 18
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  3. Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2,000 Years
    Tom Standage
     
    Hardcover
    $27.92
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Jul 18
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
    Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
  4. A History of the World in 6 Glasses
    Tom Standage
     
    Paperback
    #1 Best Seller
    $10.54
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Jul 18
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  5. Salt: A World History
    Mark Kurlansky
     
    Paperback
    #1 Best Seller
    $10.81
    Get it as soon as Friday, Jul 31
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
    Usually ships within 1 to 3 weeks
Next set of slides

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  2. Book cover An Edible History of Humanity
    An Edible History of Humanity
    Paperback
    $10.45
    Delivery Sat, Jul 18
  6. Book cover The Civil War, 1850-1895 (American History By Era)
    The Civil War, 1850-1895 (American History By Era)
    Paperback
    $37.45
    FREE delivery Jul 18 - 19
  8. Book cover The Gilded Age: A History in Documents (Pages from History)
    The Gilded Age: A History in Documents (Pages from History)
    Paperback
    $49.49
    FREE delivery Mon, Jul 20
  9. Book cover The Information: A History, A Theory, A Flood
    The Information: A History, A Theory, A Flood
    Paperback
    $16.57
    Delivery Sat, Jul 18
  10. Book cover Lightning Man: The Accursed Life Of Samuel F.B. Morse
    Lightning Man: The Accursed Life Of Samuel F.B. Morse
    Paperback
    $15.00
    Delivery Sat, Jul 18
  11. Book cover The Early American Republic, 1789-1829
    The Early American Republic, 1789-1829
    Paperback
    $49.25
    FREE delivery Mon, Jul 20
  13. Book cover The Dream Machine
    The Dream Machine
    Hardcover
    $20.00
    Delivery Sat, Jul 18
  16. Book cover The Untold Story of the Telegraph
    The Untold Story of the Telegraph
    Paperback
    $15.95
    Delivery Sat, Jul 18
  20. Book cover Imperial Science (Science in History)
    Imperial Science (Science in History)
    Paperback
    $32.00
    Delivery Sat, Jul 18
  23. Book cover The Revolutionary Era: 1789-1850
    The Revolutionary Era: 1789-1850
    Paperback
    $63.99
    FREE delivery Sat, Jul 18
  26. Book cover Truly Peculiar: Fantastic Facts That Are Stranger Than Fiction
    Truly Peculiar: Fantastic Facts That Are Stranger Than Fiction
    Paperback
    $14.89
    FREE delivery Jul 21 - 27
  28. Book cover Hudson Taylor: Gospel Pioneer to China
    Hudson Taylor: Gospel Pioneer to China
    Paperback
    $13.99
    Delivery Sat, Jul 18
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I was simply fascinated by this book. It contains parallels between the reception of the telegraph and the Internet which I knew nothing about…An extraordinary book.” ―Vinton Cerf, co-inventor of the Internet

“Sparkling.” ―Forbes

“Fascinating…It you've ever hankered for a perspective on media Net hype, this book is for you.” ―Wired

“A delightful book.” ―Smithsonian

“A fascinating walk through a pivotal period in human history.” ―USA Today

About the Author

Tom Standage is deputy editor of the Economist and the author of six previous history books, including Writing on the Wall, the New York Times bestsellers A History of the World in 6 Glasses and An Edible History of Humanity, and The Victorian Internet, a history of the telegraph. His writing has also appeared in the New York Times, the Guardian, Wired, and other publications. Standage holds a degree in engineering and computer science from Oxford University. He lives in London. @TomStandage

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloomsbury USA
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 25, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Second Edition, Revised
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 162040592X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1620405925
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 0.75 x 7.65 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #129,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars (495)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Tom Standage

Tom Standage

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Tom Standage is deputy editor of The Economist, overseeing its strategy and output on digital platforms, including the web, apps, audio, video and social media. He joined The Economist in 1998 and previously served as Digital Editor, Business Affairs Editor, Business Editor, Technology Editor and Science Correspondent. He is a regular radio commentator and keynote speaker on technology trends, and takes a particular interest in the social and cultural impact of technology. Tom is also the author of six history books, including “Writing on the Wall: Social Media—The First 2,000 Years”; the New York Times bestsellers “A History of the World in Six Glasses” (2005) and “An Edible History of Humanity” (2009); and “The Victorian Internet” (1998), a history of the telegraph. His writing has appeared in other publications including the New York Times, the Guardian and Wired. He holds a degree in engineering and computer science from Oxford University, and is the least musical member of a musical family. He is married and lives in London with his wife and children.

Sponsored

Related books

Page 1 of 1Start Over
Sponsored
Previous page
  1. Image
    Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Civil Service Exam Study Guide: Practice Tests and Prep: [Administrative Assistants, Police, Firefighter, Postal, and More]
    Civil Service Exam Study Guide: Practice Tests and Prep: [Administrative Assistants, Police, Firefighter, Postal, and More]
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars22
    $19.99
  2. Image
    Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    A Brief History of Italy: Tracing the Renaissance, Unification, and the Lively Evolution of Art and Culture
    A Brief History of Italy: Tracing the Renaissance, Unification, and the Lively Evolution of Art and Culture
    4.34.3 out of 5 stars243
    $15.99
  3. Image
    Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    The Japanese Empire: A Captivating Guide to the Rise, Expansion, and Historical Impact of Imperial Japan (History of Asia)
    The Japanese Empire: A Captivating Guide to the Rise, Expansion, and Historical Impact of Imperial Japan (History of Asia)
    4.64.6 out of 5 stars115
    $13.69
  4. Image
    Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    The 88 Laws of the Overfed Society: A Manual for the Digital Age, Overweight World, and Modern Slavery (The 88 Laws Series)
    The 88 Laws of the Overfed Society: A Manual for the Digital Age, Overweight World, and Modern Slavery (The 88 Laws Series)
    4.74.7 out of 5 stars40
    $12.77
  5. Image
    Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    HowExpert Guide to Entertainment: The Ultimate Handbook for Exploring Movies, Music, and Pop Culture Trends
    HowExpert Guide to Entertainment: The Ultimate Handbook for Exploring Movies, Music, and Pop Culture Trends
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars1
    $19.99
Next page

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
495 global ratings
Sponsored

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a fascinating read with interesting stories and facts about the telegraph's history. They appreciate its easy readability, well-written style, and quick pacing, with one customer noting how electricity traveled at an extremely rapid speed. Moreover, the book draws parallels between the telegraph and modern Internet that customers find astonishing.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

70 customers mention content, 69 positive, 1 negative
Customers find the book fascinating and engaging, with several noting it's worth a second read. One customer describes it as a nice classroom discussion book.
...this book and how it relates the history of the telegraph in an interesting and fun way....Read more
...always been interested in early communication systems and this was a great book that tied a lot of things together for me....Read more
What a great read. A Clear easy voice, that tells a fascinating history with a clear narrative. Worth a second read.Read more
Definitely a fun read, full of interesting tidbits and serious relationships to world historical events....Read more
48 customers mention informative, 47 positive, 1 negative
Customers find the book informative and well-researched, detailing the history of the telegraph with interesting stories and facts throughout.
...But all in all it's interesting, entertaining, and informative.Read more
An interesting history lesson that nothing is new under the sun. Fun read.Read more
...major, I find The Victorian Internet (TVI) to be an enlightening antidote to chronocentricity, and I recommend it to anyone trying to better...Read more
A great read! A history of scientific innovation.Read more
19 customers mention story, 19 positive, 0 negative
Customers find the book's story fascinating and engaging, with one customer noting how it weaves together personal narratives with broader historical context.
The Victorian Internet is an amazing story of the development and uses of the fast means of communication. Interesting stories.Read more
A very interesting story about the rise of long-distance communication in the world....Read more
This was a delightful story about the development of the telegragh, the key players involved and how that technology changed communications....Read more
Great book. Well researched story comparing the history of the Internet to that of the telegraph....Read more
17 customers mention readability, 16 positive, 1 negative
Customers find the book easy to read.
...It's a quick, easy read. The illustrations are awful and I wonder why they're included. But I enjoyed the book....Read more
Fantstic book, fast read. Shipped fast, exactly what I wanted.Read more
...I was captivated by the story and read the whole book (passively) within a week. This was required reading for class....Read more
Tom Standage writes in a very readable manner and fills in the little known background behind familiar 19th century inventions.Read more
13 customers mention communication, 13 positive, 0 negative
Customers appreciate the book's exploration of the amazing new communication medium, with one customer highlighting its historical overview of electronic communications and another noting how it connects the world through electric impulses.
...is easy to read, decently-paced, and fun to think about and discuss with others....Read more
...The impact on the ability to spread information fast in comparison to previous methods brought about significant changes, including social, economic...Read more
...In a matter of just years the world shrank through this amazing new communication medium that was almost infinitely faster than the train and steam...Read more
...Of major parallels were its rapid growth and its connecting persons, cities, and countries into very rapid connectivity to each other's; secondly...Read more
13 customers mention writing style, 12 positive, 1 negative
Customers appreciate the writing style of the book.
A compelling read that is well-written, but the typos in the e-version for Kindle appear with an alarming and annoying frequency....Read more
...The book is well written and difficult to put down.Read more
A well-written account of the fascinating history of the telegraph. The author has very readable style. The book was a pleasure to read....Read more
Fantastic history book about a period which gets no respect. Well written and researched. Highly recommended.Read more
8 customers mention pacing, 7 positive, 1 negative
Customers find the pacing of the book quick, with one customer noting that electricity traveled at an extremely rapid speed.
...Quick and fun, if you like historical nonfiction.Read more
...This revealed to Nollet that electricity traveled at an extremely rapid speed and began the turning of the gears that led to electrical impulse-...Read more
...All of it combines in a way that is easy to read, decently-paced, and fun to think about and discuss with others....Read more
Great book, well researched, moved at a great paceRead more
8 customers mention parallels, 8 positive, 0 negative
Customers appreciate the book's parallels between the Victorian telegraph system and modern Internet technology, finding them astonishing and interesting.
Very happy I read this book. The parallels between the telegraph and the internet are astounding and the author does a good job of capturing the...Read more
...The parallels with the modern Internet are astonishing and the history of encoding development, including error correcting encoding, provided a...Read more
...which reveals astounding, totally unexpected, parallels to the present day internet and technology....Read more
...The parallels with a modern router, handling LAN and WAN traffic, along with VPNs, is unmistakable....Read more
Customer reviews require account verification. Sign in