The first transatlantic telegraph cable failed after a few weeks in 1858 but a successful link was established by 1866, transforming the speed of contact and commerce between Britain and America. With well-chosen illustrations and contributions from commentators including David Attenborough, this Science Museum book explores the innovations in information processing and communications that have revolutionized the world, including broadcasting, the telephone, satellites, cellular phones and the internet, thanks to such pioneers as Babbage, Bell, Berners-Lee, Marconi, Morse and Turing.

This volume presents recent historical research into aspects of the complex relationship between the sciences and National Socialism, in many cases reaching back to the earlier years of the 20th century. Beginning with the editor's introductory essay and a study of Humboldt's concept of the university, the essays deal with disciplines including geography, eugenics, biochemistry and aeronautics; technologies such as bio-technology and area planning; and the careers of individual scientists.