The Diffusion of "Small" Western Technologies in the Middle East: Invention, Use and Need in the 19th and 20th Centuries by M. Kupferschmidt (review).

"The Diffusion of 'Small' Western Technologies in the Middle East: Invention, Use and Need in the 19th and 20th Centuries" by Uri M. Kupferschmidt explores the transfer of technological objects from Europe and the United States to cities in the Middle East, such as Istanbul and Cairo. The book focuses on everyday technologies, ranging from socks and light bulbs to pianos and cars, and examines the cultural factors that influenced their adoption or rejection in the region. Through case studies, Kupferschmidt highlights the success of objects like eyeglasses and sewing machines, while also discussing the challenges faced by typewriters and pianos due to cultural barriers. The book raises questions about the cultural identity of these technologies and the intermingling of cultures in the process of technology transfer and diffusion. [Extracted from the article]