Hidden Systems is a graphic nonfiction book from Dan Nott, published by Random House Graphic, that explores the history and of our most important systems – the Internet, the electric grid, and water.
This book keeps its focus on the systemic level, with hints at details and nods to examples, and explores the implications of those systems in a changing world. The Internet section was the strongest as a whole — I especially liked his framing of evaluating the metaphors we use to think about the Internet, and what they lead us to ignore or prioritize. The water section is the longest, and starts off a bit slowly, but builds to a powerful call for rethinking in light of climate change. He treats history with sensitivity, acknowledging the harms done as a fact rather than assessing blame, but not eliding assignment of responsibility where it is due. The book is a call for justice in our systems, connecting the dots between historical injustices and ongoing, in-built ones.
7 replies on “Read Hidden Systems”
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Thanks for talking about Hidden Systems, it looks like exactly the combination of comics and infographics that I enjoy. It’s now on my books wishlist.
I hope you enjoy it!
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