Chandra Mukerji Bücher

Focusing on the remarkable engineering of the Canal du Midi, this book explores the seemingly impossible achievement of its construction in the seventeenth century. It delves into the canal's unexpected political importance, illustrating how it symbolized the connection between state power and human mastery over nature. The narrative combines historical insight with engaging storytelling, highlighting the canal's role in linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean while showcasing the ingenuity of its creators.

Exploring the intersection of design and engineering, this book examines how the architectural features of Versailles serve as a manifestation of state power. The author, a cultural and historical sociologist, delves into the intricate relationship between aesthetics and authority, revealing how the grandeur of Versailles reflects the political ambitions of its era. Through this analysis, the work highlights the significance of cultural artifacts in understanding historical power dynamics.

Exploring the intricate relationship between science and government, Chandra Mukerji challenges the notion that scientists merely provide knowledge for state benefit. Through compelling examples from oceanography, particularly regarding seafloor hot springs and nuclear waste disposal, she illustrates how scientists serve as a legitimizing force for U.S. policies, balancing autonomy with dependency on state funding. The book offers insights into the evolving role of researchers since World War II, making it essential for sociologists, scientists, and those interested in the dynamics of science and society.

Modern selves and fashion -- Communities of strangers and modern infrastructure -- Cultural imaginaries and modern states -- Liberal and industrial modernity -- Race and geopolitics -- Gender and political economy -- The modern child -- Digital games and paths through modern life -- Philosophical machinery and film -- Escape routes

The Canal du Midi, which threads through southwestern France and links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, was an astonishing feat of seventeenth-century engineering - in fact, it was technically impossible according to the standards of its day. This book looks at the mystery of its success as well as the canal's surprising political significance.