Taking Charge by Michael Schiffer - ISBN: 9781588340764
Paperback
In 1900, 28 percent of all cars were electric. By 1920 the electric car had all but vanished and gas-powered cars dominated the market. In this work, Schiffer explores how cultural factors, not technological ones, explain the rise of gas-guzzling cars.

Taking Charge

The Electric Automobile in America

$43.42

  • Paperback

    240 pages

  • Release Date

    22 June 2010

Check Delivery Options

Summary

In Taking Charge, Schiffer explains how cultural factors influenced the rise of “gas-guzzling” mobiles and argue that the time for electric cars has arrived.The tumultuous history of inventors and corporations who have tried to bring the electric car to the market.Amazingly, in 1900 28 percent of all cars were electric. By 1920 the electric car had all but vanished and gas-powered cars dominated the market. In Taking Charge, Schiffer deftly explores how cultural factors, not technological one…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781588340764
ISBN-10:1588340767
Author:Michael Schiffer
Publisher:Smithsonian Books
Imprint:Smithsonian Books
Format:Paperback
Number of Pages:240
Edition:2nd
Release Date:22 June 2010
Weight:340g
Dimensions:229mm x 152mm x 15mm
What They're Saying

Critics Review

“A cracking good read.”—Technology and Culture

“The car of the future turns out to be the car of the past, according to Schiffer in this peppy look at the electric car’s Edwardian infancy.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Much more than a historical overview, Schiffer puts his anthropology training to good effect in the text, livening his recitation with fascinating details about contemporary personalities and cultural settings. His volume provides the best insight to date of how and why electric vehicles faltered [in the past], and why that result was due more to culture than technology.”—Environment

“Part car-nut’s history, part social history, this is a fine resource for popular culture and American Studies collections.”—Booklist

About The Author

Michael Schiffer

Michael Brian Schiffer is professor of anthropology at the University of Arizona in Tucson and the author of seven books, including The Portable Radio in American Life (1991).

Returns

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.