The Cyborg Handbook

Rating:
Summary: We Have Been Assimilated
Review: Chris Hables Gray has created an exquisitely thought provoking cross disciplinary anthology exploring the evolution of cyborg and machine intelligence on the organism called Earth. The non-linear multi-dimensional threads of what is obviously a three dimensional and linear data source leads the reader to a deeper understanding of our organic technological and social crucible of biochemistry and machine.

I am using this book as a resource for a graduate course and will probably adopt it as a textbook in the future.

Rating:
Summary: We Have Been Assimilated
Review: Chris Hables Gray has created an exquisitely thought provoking cross disciplinary anthology exploring the evolution of cyborg and machine intelligence on the organism called Earth. The non-linear multi-dimensional threads of what is obviously a three dimensional and linear data source leads the reader to a deeper understanding of our organic technological and social crucible of biochemistry and machine.

I am using this book as a resource for a graduate course and will probably adopt it as a textbook in the future.

Rating:
Summary: Holding a coveted spot on my shelf
Review: I would not suggest this book for someone looking for a quick, easy answer to the world of cyborgs. There are papers here from dozens of authors, each talking about a wholly different aspect of the cyborg - some cover the idea that technology has already turned many of us into cyborgs, others that fetuses are cyborgs, some stick with the traditional notion of the cyborg as half-man half-machine, some examine the role of the cyborg in film. It takes all kinds. And, in sturdy academic practice, some of the authors even give gentle jabs to other papers in the book, noting flaws or the overlooking of some fine point. Most of the research draws from Donna Haraway's original research into cyborgs, but there are a few people that are trying to break away from her hegemonistic mold. For a very entertaining and much needed example of this, try to find the two or three digs at Donna Haraway's definition of cyborg.

This book is one of the most invaluable resources for anyone doing serious research into the idea of the cyborg. Though there is a great interview with Clynes, co-inventer of the term "cyborg," The Cyborg Handbook won't do for primary source material. The bibliography is wildly extensive, however, and the book functions as an excellent starting point for the researcher. For those who aren't afraid to work for it, but who have a more casual interest, this book can be both a starting and ending point.

Rating:
Summary: Holding a coveted spot on my shelf
Review: I would not suggest this book for someone looking for a quick, easy answer to the world of cyborgs. There are papers here from dozens of authors, each talking about a wholly different aspect of the cyborg - some cover the idea that technology has already turned many of us into cyborgs, others that fetuses are cyborgs, some stick with the traditional notion of the cyborg as half-man half-machine, some examine the role of the cyborg in film. It takes all kinds. And, in sturdy academic practice, some of the authors even give gentle jabs to other papers in the book, noting flaws or the overlooking of some fine point. Most of the research draws from Donna Haraway's original research into cyborgs, but there are a few people that are trying to break away from her hegemonistic mold. For a very entertaining and much needed example of this, try to find the two or three digs at Donna Haraway's definition of cyborg.

This book is one of the most invaluable resources for anyone doing serious research into the idea of the cyborg. Though there is a great interview with Clynes, co-inventer of the term "cyborg," The Cyborg Handbook won't do for primary source material. The bibliography is wildly extensive, however, and the book functions as an excellent starting point for the researcher. For those who aren't afraid to work for it, but who have a more casual interest, this book can be both a starting and ending point.

Rating:
Summary: Highly stimulating yet dry at times
Review: This hefty tome is a real find for those who like a little science with their fiction. The basic premise is that in one way or another most of humanity is already a CYBORG. The definition is a bit broader than say Arnold in the Terminator and encompasses everything from fillings and eyeglasses to using a computer. I enjoyed the exploration of the CYBORG as a media icon. The technical discussions and NASA reports were a bit dry but do add to the overall credibility of the subject. This book is a real winner and anyone interested in the interaction of politics,philosophy and the human body will enjoy it.

Rating:
Summary: Cyborg Review
Review: Whis book has been badly influenced by H. Figuroa's Caribbean Psychology percetion of the cyborg image.