4 – 6 page book review of Jeffery Sconce, “Haunted Media: Electronic Presence from Telegraphy to Television.” Content: An analytical book review is not a summary of a book. A good book review involves analysis, Assessment, and critical commentary. Remember to back up your assessment with evidence. Your essay should address or contain a discussion of: 1. The author’s methodology 2. The main ideas and contents (note that you must clearly identify the thesis, that is, the author’s argument) 3. Use of evidence 4. How persuasive or convincing the book is 5. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of the work (What are the author’s key contributions? What makes the book engaging or not? What is missing from the account? Or, what might the author have done to make the argument more persuasive?) 6. How does the work relate to other material covered in class 7. Most importantly, how does the work confirm, challenge, or extend your general understanding of the Americans fears and anxieties about technological medias and the internet and anxieties about it in today’s society. 8. What audience will most benefit from reading this work Most importantly don’t simply answer these questions in paragraph form. Draft a thesis that answers them, and use that thesis to drive your essay. Ultimately you’re evaluating the importance of Sconce’s work and whether or not his argument is sound and he’s successful in communicating that argument.
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Jeffery Sconce’s “Haunted Media: Electronic Presence from Telegraphy to Television” is a thought-provoking and engaging book that explores the ways in which electronic media have impacted our understanding of presence, communication, and identity.
Sconce begins by examining the history of electronic media, starting with the telegraph and moving through the development of radio, film, and television. He argues that each of these technologies has contributed to a shifting understanding of what it means to be present and connected with others, and he explores the ways in which these technologies have changed our relationships with one another.
One of the main strengths of “Haunted Media” is Sconce’s ability to draw connections between different media forms and to demonstrate how they have influenced one another over time. He shows how the telegraph, for example, paved the way for the development of radio and television, and how each of these technologies has shaped our understanding of presence and communication in different ways.
Another strength of the book is Sconce’s writing style, which is clear and accessible, making the book enjoyable to read even for those who may not have a background in media studies. He makes complex ideas easy to understand and engages the reader with interesting anecdotes and examples.
“Haunted Media” is an important and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on the ways in which electronic media have shaped our understanding of presence and communication. It is a must-read for anyone interested in media studies or the history of communication technology.
