"Freedom can't be overheard" -- Killing the competition -- The making of the perfect operator -- Voicing the "pulse of the city" -- Bridging the gap between the Victorian and modern ages -- The culture of the telephone
Summary
Traces how the first telephone operators co-opted the new technology from the small circle of businessmen it was designed for, by demonstrating its potential market for domestic and personal communication, thus convincing the phone company to change its strategy. Focusing on the Canadian system 1878-1920, Martin (communications, U. of Quebec) shows how women shaped the cultural impact of the telephone. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
