This is a great overview of the human history of the internet along with some of the technical realities, strengths, and limitations that were imposed by that history. This is an absolutely excellent pairing with Where Wizards Stay Up Late, which tells a more narrative story of this history. The Tangled Web We Weave focuses on the implications of the decisions that were made, and what we as web users should think about for the future of the internet. What a great read. Thanks to the publisher for a NetGalley.

This is an extremely readable, compelling, and valuable book that looks beyond the usual focus on social media companies, the bad behavior of trolls, and the costs of the attention economy to explore what the internet is actually made of, how it came to be what it is today, and who controls a piece of the infrastructure. This would be a valuable assigned reading for any course that focuses on the internet and society - or for anyone who simply wants to get a better grasp of what we're talking about when we talk about the internet. I think this may be one of the most useful, informative, and entertaining books on the subject.

The Internet explained - it might surprise you.

James Ball aims to explain the Internet, how and when it was born, up until our times. He pictures its whole history, focusing on major issues and the actors that marked its destiny so far. The people who have the power, the people who made the decisions, the people who handle the money, the people who take a stand for our rights concerning the vast world of the Internet, and so much more.

Writing wise, this book is perfect for anyone interested in the subject, there are few technical moments and they are easily described for non-technical readers. This is one of the goals of the book, to shine a light on this subject, to brake down its complexity for all of us to understand more about this tool we use and give so much to.

There is an abundance of situations that are skillfully presented, the story line glides between issues without creating confusion but making it all more simple and understandable. I would consider the time spent with this book an investment, this is a door opened into very complex world - you think you know it because you use it and think of yourself as informed about it. It may or may not be true. You will not see the Internet the same after reading it.

The Tangled Web We Weave by James Ball as the name suggests tells the story of how the internet came about and how it works. The book takes on a journey of how the internet was birthed, the people behind it then, and the people behind it now. What the internet was intended for and how it is being used now. The extensive research that went into writing this book is evident. For a book about technology, with the many technical terms, it is surprisingly easy to read and absorb. James Ball also exposes the conflict between the people who provide the internet connections and the ones who provide its contents and how we are all tangled in this web. I recommend this book because it gives us the information we need to know that is often wrapped up in complexity and technical details to stop us from looking too closely. It is an important book of our time as more of us are forced to rely on the internet for our daily routines.

If you are old enough, you remember the promise of the early internet: in the '90s, we all believed that it is a force of Good, a destroyer of barriers, and a great leveler. Twenty years on, it's hard to believe in our own naivety. How the heck this happened? If you also ask yourself this question, this is a book for you.

James Ball describes the history of the internet, showing that all of today’s troubles have roots in the past. Many arise from the original design - after all, ARPANET was created to facilitate communication between a few scientific institutions, where security or business model weren't an issue. Others occurred because, as the author puts it, we weren't paying attention.

It is a fascinating story, with lively profiles of many main figures and a clear explanation of the intricacies of technical issues. Ball also advises on how to fix this broken system, so if you care about the future (and glorious past) of the internet, you really should read this book.

Thanks to the publisher, Melville House Publishing, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

This book, published as The Tangled Web We Weave in the US and The System in the UK, is a look at the internet and how it works, from its inception and the physical infrastructure that makes it work to the companies and money that control many of the platforms and interactions we have with the web. Ball outlines how the internet is a result of decisions, market forces, and government actions, and concludes by looking at the action that can be taken to try and change it to ensure it works for the vast majority, not the few who control it.

Ball provides a useful summary, in different chapters, of different areas of the system that is the internet, starting with its origins and then looking at the physical cables and service providers, then at the tech industry and possibilities of government and other surveillance. The book is designed for complete beginners to reading about these areas, trying to avoid using jargon that isn't explained and not going into technical depth. This makes it particularly useful for people either looking at the internet from more of a social science viewpoint but wanting to know how it works, or for people who want to know more of the history and issues surrounding the internet and how it is controlled.

A useful starting point or general overview for anyone interested in the internet and how it works and is used, this book is an accessible option hopefully likely to inspire further reading or action, particularly as Ball concludes with a call for change, for fighting for tech companies actually paying the taxes they should and not being allowed to use unfair labour conditions as well as for better treatment of people's data. What probably is needed next is more accessible information on how this might happen, but it is important that books like this, aimed at people not necessarily up to date on these tech issues, are published.

A valuable explainer of what the Internet actually ‘is’. From the history of the first computers to be connected, through to the Internet of Things, this book will guide you through where the Internet has been (and why), and where it is going.