BKMTHFLM.RVW   961021
 
"Moths to the Flame", Gregory J. E. Rawlins, 1996, 0-262-18176-2, U$22.50
%A   Gregory J. E. Rawlins rawlins@cs.indiana.edu
%C   55 Hayward Street, Cambridge, MA   02142-1399
%D   1996
%G   0-262-18176-2
%I   MIT Press
%O   U$22.50 curtin@mit.edu
%P   184
%T   "Moths to the Flame"
 
From the subtitle, "The Seductions of Computer Technology", one can, perhaps,
assume that the book is not going to be an unalloyed apologia for the computer. 
Poor old technology seems to be a popular stuffed lion to kick these days. 
Rawlins' book, more like a series of articles, is more informed and erudite
than most, but readers of, say, the RISKS-FORUM Digest will find this to be
thoroughly plowed ground.
 
Rawlins looks at encryption (rather well, actually), virtual reality,
information technology, the net, weapons technology, and employment.  Chapter
seven gets a little out of hand: it finishes with two (not terribly good)
science fiction "cautionary tale" set pieces.  The final chapter moves out into
the realm of technology in general, but returns to a bit more balanced view.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1996   BKMTHFLM.RVW   961021
 
======================
roberts@decus.ca           rslade@vcn.bc.ca           rslade@vanisl.decus.ca
              Ceterum censeo CNA Financial Services delendam esse
  Please note the Peterson story - http://www.netmind.com/~padgett/trial.htm