Title
Aluminum Dreams: The Making of Light Modernity,Used
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How aluminum enabled a highspeed, gravitydefying American modernity even as other parts of the world paid the price in environmental damage and political turmoil.Aluminum shaped the twentieth century. It enabled highspeed travel and gravitydefying flight. It was the material of a streamlined aesthetic that came to represent modernity. And it became an essential ingredient in industrial and domestic products that ranged from airplanes and cars to designer chairs and artificial Christmas trees. It entered modern homes as packaging, foil, pots and pans and even infiltrated our bodies through food, medicine, and cosmetics. In Aluminum Dreams, Mimi Sheller describes how the materiality and meaning of aluminum transformed modern life and continues to shape the world today.Aluminum, Sheller tells us, changed mobility and mobilized modern life. It enabled air power, the space age and moon landings. Yet, as Sheller makes clear, aluminum was important not only in twentiethcentury technology, innovation, architecture, and design but also in underpinning global military power, uneven development, and crucial environmental and health concerns. Sheller describes aluminum's shiny utopia but also its dark side. The unintended consequences of aluminum's widespread use include struggles for sovereignty and resource control in Africa, India, and the Caribbean; the unleashing of multinational corporations; and the pollution of the earth through mining and smelting (and the battle to save it). Using a single material as an entry point to understanding a global history of modernization and its implications for the future, Aluminum Dreams forces us to ask: How do we assemble the material culture of modernity and what are its environmental consequences?Aluminum Dreams includes a generous selection of striking images of iconic aluminum designs, many in color, drawn from advertisements by Alcoa, Bohn, Kaiser, and other major corporations, pamphlets, films, and exhibitions.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has three hundred eighty-four pages. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of aluminum's impact on modern life.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Aluminum Dreams'? A: The book measures six point thirty-eight inches in length, one point zero two inches in width, and nine point thirty-eight inches in height. These dimensions make it a manageable size for reading.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This type of binding provides durability and a premium feel.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Aluminum Dreams'? A: The author is Mimi Sheller. She is known for her expertise in material culture and modernity.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Aluminum Dreams'? A: The main theme is the dual nature of aluminum, highlighting both its transformative benefits and its environmental impacts. It explores how aluminum shaped modernity while also revealing its darker consequences.
- Q: What is the genre of 'Aluminum Dreams'? A: The genre is Decorative Arts & Design. This classification reflects its focus on material culture and its implications.
- Q: Is this book suitable for general audiences? A: Yes, this book is suitable for general audiences. It addresses broad themes of modernity, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
- Q: What types of images are included in the book? A: The book includes a generous selection of striking images, primarily of iconic aluminum designs. Many of these images are in color and drawn from advertisements and exhibitions.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for design studies? A: Yes, it can be used as a reference for design studies. Its exploration of aluminum's role in design and architecture makes it valuable for students and professionals.
- Q: How should I store 'Aluminum Dreams' to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book upright in a cool, dry place. This will help preserve its binding and prevent damage.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the retailer for a return or exchange. Most retailers have policies in place for such issues.
- Q: Is 'Aluminum Dreams' appropriate for academic use? A: Yes, it is appropriate for academic use. The book offers a critical analysis of aluminum's impact on modern society, making it suitable for research.
- Q: Does the book discuss environmental impacts? A: Yes, it discusses environmental impacts extensively. It addresses the pollution and health concerns associated with aluminum's production and use.
- Q: What kind of audience would benefit from reading this book? A: Readers interested in design, environmental studies, and modern history would benefit greatly from this book. It appeals to a diverse audience.
- Q: Are there any specific design examples highlighted in the book? A: Yes, the book highlights numerous iconic aluminum designs. These examples illustrate aluminum's influence on aesthetics and functionality.
- Q: What is the publisher of 'Aluminum Dreams'? A: The publisher is The MIT Press. This publisher is known for its scholarly works in various fields, including design and technology.