Networks of Power: Electrification in Western Society, 1880-1930 (Softshell Books)

Electrical power is one of the key components, along with chemicals, steel and petroleum, of the second industrial revolution. Hughes focuses on complex electrical supply networks and the impact of society, or culture, on shaping technology. The title of his book is brilliant in its dual imagery of large electrical distribution systems and the social, economic, and political interplay necessary to create them. Hughes begins by describing an element of Thomas Edison's inventive genius not commonly recognized by historians. Edison not only invented marvelous machines, he also invented what may be his most significant contribution, the electrical power system. Edison, an inventor-entrepreneur, saw that it was not enough to only have electric lighting. Electricity must be made widely available. He built the first network capable of distributing electrical power to the public. Generating power at the Pearl Street station, Edison introduced the concept of a central-station supply system electrifying a square mile area in New York City. Hughes' model shows how electrical systems developed in general and then, expanding on his theme, he discusses regional variations in Berlin, London, and Chicago. The model begins with 1, an invention and its development at one site, then, 2, the technology transfers and expands into a larger system, which, 3, grows despite "reverse salients." A "reverse salient" is a problem of uneven systems growth which threatens the entire system An example is the uneconomic transmission of direct current over long distances which was eventually solved by the use of alternating current. (A "reverse salient," however, does not have to be technical in nature.) Subsequently, 4, a system develops its own momentum toward a planned goal, and finally, 5, it matures with "the rise of financiers and consulting engineers to preeminence as problem solvers."(17) In the final phase the problems are largely legislative and political. Hughes effectively makes use of a comparative approach to the history of technology. In his comparative analysis, Hughes finds that Berlin developed an electrical network in a political economy. In Chicago, pliant politicians were dominated by technology, whereas regulatory legislation and parochial political interests hindered system development in London. Large generating projects built during WWI left a legacy of excess power. Post war support for government sponsored technology waned and planned systems emerged to pool the energy of independent utilities. Widespread grids encouraged engineers and managers to exploit regional diversity in order to balance loads around the clock. This, not surprisingly, gave rise to large holding companies. Financiers "inventiveness," Hughes says, "was comparable to that of inventors and engineers."(308) In reading his book it is apparent that many factors influence technological systems. Hughes' work argues that historians should think more in terms of "sociotechnical systems rather than technological systems."(465)

A useful overview of electrical history ... not sure what the big deal about reverse salients is. The author (like most historians) hasn't a good understanding of electrical technology. He refers to Tesla's motor as an A C polyphase motor but that device name also includes a synchronous motor like the one used at Telluride and as such was NOT self-starting. He should have called Tesla's motor a polyphase induction motor.

If you're a history buff, and appreciate the technology that surrounds us all, you'll love reading "Networks of Power: Electrification in Western Society, 1880-1930" by Tom Hughes. Hughes takes us back to the days of fierce rivalry between Edison and Westinghouse; the early era of electric power generation and consumption where the battle of DC vs. AC consumer power was born and decided.Hughes doesn't stop there. Also included in this well-footnoted edition are in-depth narratives of the evolution of commercial power systems in England and Germany through 1930. A well written, readable snapshot in time.Compelling historical reading for the non-technologist as well as the student of electrical power commercialization.