Remote Control

Object Lessons

by Caetlin Benson-Allott, Christopher Schaberg (Series Editor), Ian Bogost (Series Editor)

Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.

While we all use remote controls, we understand little about their history or their impact on our daily lives. Caetlin Benson-Allot looks back on the remote control’s material and cultural history to explain how such an innocuous media accessory has changed the way we occupy our houses, interact with our families, and experience the world. From the first wired radio remotes of the 1920s to infrared universal remotes, from the homemade TV controllers to the Apple Remote, remote controls shape our media devices and how we live with them.

Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

184 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2014

Reviews

[William Anderson]

This was a really fun quick read that delved into exactly what you thought it would. The remote.
From meaning of the name to its history it was clear and easy to get through. Overall I wished it wouldve delved more into the technologies used to develop different remotes as well (it does, but only on the highest level).

If you grew up in the 90s while the remote was a common household battle ground for your single TV, and you were envious of your uncles universal remote, you will enjoy this book.

[Coty]

This book was for class, so it was obviously not a pleasure read. Overall, it is a solid book that explores the history of the remote control (predominantly in the United States). I much preferred the first two chapters and the discussion opened about how advertisements shaped the perception of the device.

[Bonnie]

This is an interesting little series on every-day objects. Not too long but a lot of information. It contains more than you really wanted to know about the history of the remote control. Starting in 1898, yes, really, the author covers the development of remote control from the early days of radio up to universal remotes that aren’t really universal. I had to get three of our remotes out and look at them as I read. Learned a little, we’ll see if I remember it for long.

[Lynn Borton]

Who knew?! Fun insight to the hidden history of an everyday object - and great basis for fascinating interview: https://lynnborton.com/2018/02/07/tra...