ONE DIGITAL DAY: The Microchtp is Changing Our World

by Rick & Jennifer Erwitt Smolan ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1998

The ubiquitous microchip is celebrated in soma 200 color photographs, taken in the course of one day (July 11, 1997) by approximately 100 photojournalists scattered around the globe. While we may take it for granted that the microprocessor has infiltrated and altered almost every element of life having to do with technology, it's still startling to see how pervasive its influence is. A portrait of Thai monks gathered 'round a computer to study the teachings of the Buddha, of a Chinese sailor steering his junk and blithely chatting on a cellular telephone, or of a group of rural South African pensioners lining up at a computer that will identify them by their fingerprints before issuing a monthly check are likely to surprise even a jaded technophile. Much of the book, however, focuses on the specific ways in which the microchip is expanding life's possibilities, with a heavy stress on how microchip-driven technology is helping to cure disease and enhance the lives of those with a variety of disabilities. The upbeat message throughout is hardly surprising, given that the project was sponsored by the Intel Corporation. Still, as a primer on cutting edge work in health, the environment, And other sciences, and as a vivid tour of the world's obsession with all things technological, One Digital Day is breezily effective.

Pub Date: June 1, 1998

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 224

Publisher: Times

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1998

Categories: NONFICTION