The culture of time and space, 1880-1918

In "The Culture of Time and Space, 1880-1918," Stephen Kern explores the dynamic changes in the understanding and experience of time and space from 1880 to 1918. This period was marked by rapid advancements in technology, transportation, and communication that fundamentally altered human perception. Kern meticulously examines how these changes are reflected in various cultural domains, including art, literature, philosophy, and science.

The book is structured thematically, with each chapter focusing on different dimensions of time and space. Kern discusses innovations like the telegraph, which compressed time and space by enabling instant communication. The advent of the airplane and the automobile redefined travel and mobility. Meanwhile, modernist art movements such as cubism and futurism visually represented these shifts in perception.

Furthermore, Kern illustrates how time became more standardized and regulated, a shift prominently seen with the adoption of time zones. On the philosophical front, figures like Bergson challenged conventional notions of time as linear, presenting it as a more fluid concept. In literature, authors like Proust and Joyce experimented with narrative structure, reflecting new temporal experiences.

• Modern technology redefined human experiences of time and space, making them less absolute and more relative.
• The cultural output of the era mirrored these transformations, as artists and intellectuals grappled with newfound perspectives.
• Technological advancements, such as the telegraph, telephone, and photography, played pivotal roles in altering perceptions.
• The standardization of time zones revolutionized global synchronization, affecting commerce and daily life.
• Philosophical and literary explorations during this period were influenced heavily by these shifts, leading to innovations in narrative and thought.

"The telegraph and telephone, airplane and automobile, x-ray and cinema altered the dimensions of everyday life."

"Time is a river which sweeps me along, but I am the river."

"The modern contrast between what is seen and what is heard is based on technological transformations."

Stephen Kern's "The Culture of Time and Space, 1880-1918" provides a meticulous and engaging exploration of a transformative era in history. The book is significant because it connects technological change with shifts in cultural and philosophical paradigms. Kern's interdisciplinary approach makes it a valuable resource for students and scholars in fields ranging from history to cultural studies, literature, and philosophy.

By examining the interconnectedness of technological advancements with cultural and intellectual developments, Kern presents a nuanced understanding of modernism's roots. His insights into how these changes influenced creatives and thinkers provide readers with a deeper appreciation of the era’s lasting impact on contemporary society.

This book is not only about the past; it helps us understand our current world better, as we continue to grapple with rapid technological changes similar to those experienced during the period Kern examines.