Magic and Loss: The Internet as Art

Just as Susan Sontag did for photography and Marshall McLuhan did for television, Virginia Heffernan (called one of the "best living writers of English prose") reveals the logic and aesthetics behind the Internet. We all inhabit this fascinating place. Life online, in the highly visual, social, portable, and global incarnation, rewards certain virtues. The new medium favors speed, accuracy, wit, prolificacy, and versatility, and its form and functions are changing how we perceive, experience, and understand the world.. In this deep and thoughtful book, Virginia Heffernan presents an original and far-reaching analysis of what the Internet is and does. Since its inception, the Internet has morphed from merely an extension of traditional media into its own full-fledged civilization. It is among mankind's great masterpieces - a massive work of art. But its deep logic, its cultural potential, and its societal impact often elude us. As an idea, it rivals monotheism

"Magic and Loss Review" according to Brandon M. Standing. In the description above for this book, "Magic and Loss", it says that Heffernan reveals the Internet in a way that Marshall McLuhan awakened our imaginations in his work on media--a pretty hefty claim. In ordering this book, I had the high expectation that I would read something deeply insightful, philosophical, and thought-provoking. The Internet as art? I loved the idea!But, I would definitely consider this book a very light, enjoyable read. The author's sentences, diction, and craft all come across as professio. "I'm so glad the designers made a book that feels good (literally" according to CathyD. Finally, a witty book about the Internet! This one gets past the sanctimony and the scare tactics to help us all understand why we are so in awe of our devices--and so resentful. I'm glad the designers made a book that feels good (literally: it has little bumps!) because it feels good to read this, an answer to questions you didn't even know you had. I love it. I'm grateful for having such a pleasant, smart, and useful read. I'm giving it to friends for beach reading. I guarantee they will be reading passages out l. If you're tired of hearing about how smart phones are destroying the very fabric of civilization--and the Alice Rose If you're tired of hearing about how smart phones are destroying the very fabric of civilization--and the kids are all "addicted"--this is the book for you. Brilliant contrarian and stylist extraordinaire Virginia Heffernan goes high and low in this part memoir/part philosophical treatise on how and why she loves the internet. For Heffernan, Twitter is a poet's paradise and youtube has revolutionized the moving image. Dip in and out or read it in one fell swoop. Either way, you will not be disappointed.