Blood in the Machine

by Brian Merchant
Blood in the Machine cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Technology and Innovation
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Hardback • £28.00
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  • ID: 2711
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780316487733
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2023-09-26
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Blood in the Machine tells the urgent story of the Luddite uprising, where workers in 19th-century England rebelled against automated machines threatening their livelihoods. This historical class struggle, supported by figures like Lord Byron, reshaped England and inspired the birth of science fiction. Today, as AI and robots transform industries, this book intertwines the past with the present, offering insights into the power and perils of technology. Brian Merchant weaves a compelling narrative that examines the impact of automation on society, from the Luddites' guerrilla raids to the modern era of artificial intelligence. The book explores how technological advancements are reshaping our world, raising critical questions about the future of work and our response to these changes. By connecting historical events to contemporary challenges, Blood in the Machine provides a thought-provoking perspective on the ongoing struggle between technological progress and human labor.

Reviews
BAOS · 2025-09-14
Valuable 4.20

The book provides a comprehensive history of England's industrialization and the Luddite movement, offering a blueprint for workers today. The interdisciplinary approach makes it a valuable read.

This reviewer appreciates the book's comprehensive history of England's industrialization and the Luddite movement, finding it to be a valuable resource for understanding contemporary labor issues. They highlight the interdisciplinary approach as a strength, making the book relevant to a wide range of readers. The reviewer finds the book's insights into the Luddite movement particularly relevant, offering a blueprint for workers facing similar challenges today. Overall, the book is seen as a well-researched and thought-provoking exploration of historical and modern labor struggles.

Quick quotes

    Merchant compiles an interdisciplinary history of England's industrialization and how the Luddite movement sets a blueprint for workers today.

    The book is a hefty tome that features a thorough, and contextually grounded, recounting of the actions of the historic Luddites, while ...

    The bulk of the book is a compelling, well-researched, person-driven account of the Luddites' fight and plight during the early 19th century.

Cler Review of Books · 2024-01-10
Intriguing 4.00

The book presents a compelling argument about the impact of technology on jobs, drawing parallels to historical labor struggles. The sheer amount of information can be overwhelming at times.

This reviewer found that the book equips readers with a straightforward argument about the negative impacts of technology on employment, an argument they had previously only made through fiction. They appreciate the historical context provided but note that the sheer volume of information can sometimes feel overwhelming. The book's strength lies in its ability to connect past labor struggles with contemporary issues, offering a rich and thought-provoking narrative. However, the density of the material might make it challenging for some readers to digest.

Quick quotes

    Merchant's book has equipped me with a simpler argument, one that I had previously made only under the guise of fiction: honestly? I just don't ...

    The book's primary weakness is that, at times, it can feel a bit overwhelming with the sheer amount of information presented.

    The story he weaves in Blood In the Machine is as gripping as any Propublica deep-dive into the miserable working conditions of today's gig ...

The New York Times · 2023-09-21
Compelling 4.50

The book draws compelling parallels between the labor struggles of the Industrial Revolution and today's gig economy. It offers a gripping account of the Luddite uprising and its relevance to modern issues.

This reviewer highlights the book's ability to draw striking parallels between historical labor struggles and contemporary issues in the gig economy. They find the account of the Luddite uprising to be both compelling and relevant, offering a deep dive into the historical context that resonates with today's technological advancements. The book is praised for its interdisciplinary approach, weaving together history, labor issues, and modern technology in a way that is both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Brian Merchant's “Blood in the Machine” compares the labor struggles of the Industrial Revolution to today's abusive gig economy.

    The book is a hefty tome that features a thorough, and contextually grounded, recounting of the actions of the historic Luddites, while ...

    The bulk of the book is a compelling, well-researched, person-driven account of the Luddites' fight and plight during the early 19th century.

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