The Railway Journey: Trains and Travel in the 19th Century

Wolfgang Schivelbusch's groundbreaking book, 'The Railway Journey,' has been updated with a new preface, offering readers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and culture during the 19th century. As a historian, Schivelbusch delves into the ways in which railway travel transformed our perceptions of distance, time, autonomy, speed, and risk, providing an invaluable resource for those interested in the prehistory of modern media and digitalization.

Schivelbusch's work is anchored in rich empirical data and offers striking insights about the industrial revolution and technological change. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the changing perception of landscapes, the death of conversation while traveling, the problematic nature of railway compartments, and the pathology of the railway journey.

In his analysis, Schivelbusch examines the origins of our modern, industrialized consciousness by exploring the reaction to the first dramatic avatar of technological change – the railroad. He argues that our adaptation to technological change is not an innate behavior but rather a learned one, shaped by the cultural and societal context in which we live.

The Railway Journey offers a fascinating study on how technology has impacted our perception of the world. As Schivelbusch points out, constant technological change has become a commonplace of modern society. By examining the historical development of railway travel, this book provides a unique perspective on the evolution of our industrialized consciousness and its impact on our daily lives.

For those interested in 19th-century culture and technology, 'The Railway Journey' is an essential read. Schivelbusch's engaging writing style makes complex concepts accessible, offering readers a fresh understanding of the intersection of technology and society during this pivotal period in history.

Railway journey wolfgang schivelbusch