Microhistories of Technology

Mikael Hård is ​Professor of History of Technology at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany.

“In his book on microhistories of technology, Hård demonstrates the richness of technologies that individuals and communities across the world have used and, in part, continue to use in their everyday lives. … Each of the chapters presented in the book is so interesting that it would easily justify an entire book on the topic, and Hård makes an active effort to provide as much information on each phenomenon as possible.” (Corinna R. Unger, Technology and Culture, Vol. 65 (3), July, 2024)

• 1. Introduction: Honing Local Techniques in a Globalized World.- Part I Nineteenth-Century Ways of Life.- 2. Building Missionary Stations in Southeast Asia: Nias Islanders Deploy Adzes.- 3. Communicating and Trading in West Africa: Talking Drums and Pack Animals.- 4. Withstanding Globalization in Northern India: Farmers Make Sugar for Local Consumption.- Part II Twentieth-Century Improvisations.- 5. Accessing Electricity in East Africa: Dar es Salaam Dwellers Pursue Power.- 6. Creating "Creole" Cuisine in Latin America: Home Cooks Reinvent Batánes.- Part III Postwar Innovations.- 7. Earning a Living in Urban Africa: Maintaining the “Native Beer” Economy.- 8. Confronting Menstruation in East Asia: Koreans Create Self-made Solutions.- 9. Doing It Yourself in Central Asia: Uzbeks Build Adobe Houses.- 10. Conclusion: Challenging Globalizing Technologies.