The Axemaker's Gift by James Burke

Boy, this one took awhile!
"The Axemaker's Gift" by James Burke and Robert Ornstein is an impressive and ambitious nonfiction examination of technology and its effects on humanity, from the pre-historic development of stone axes to our modern computer age. The authors' thesis - that technology is a mixed blessing that has at every step fundamentally changed the way we interact with each other and the world - is examined and backed up with an exhaustive (and, yes, at times exhausting) history of western civilization. It is definitely very informative and insightful and I learned tons, but it was a bit dry and trying. It's a worthy read, though; the connections and explanations the authors give are well-reasoned, and I have a much better grasp of the development of western civilization (from egalitarian hunter-gatherer bands with a close connection to themselves and the earth) through the medieval ages and to the modern era, where the gaps in knowledge and resources between the haves and have-nots is ever-widening, our connection to the earth and each other is increasingly splintered, and the impact of technology and development on our health, happiness and habitat is becoming ever more clear and dubious. Should everyone read this tome? Probably not. Am I glad I did? Sure. I think anyone with a keen interest in history and/or technology would appreciate it, but its probably not a great choice for the casual peruser.
Although appreciative of the authors' considerable effort and noble aim, I finish the book (at last) very eager to read something that feels a little more like recreation and a little less like college homework.