George Basalla (–2025)

Basically an anti-SETI diatribe by a know-it-all historian, featuring a recurrent theological presence, a questionable interpretation of the mediocrity (copernican) principle, and disparagement of such fine-brained people as Freeman Dyson, Philip Morrison, and Carl Sagan. When it comes to religion's "connection" with SETI, people like Basalla have it completely bass ackwards: It's *not* that SETI pursuers are engaged in a religion-like mission by seeking superior beings in the sky; rather show more it's that SETI detractors like himself evince ridiculous religiosity in postulating that Earth civilization is a unique creation. show less

One of the most thought provoking books I've ever read...gave me a new framework to analyze technological development.

A deservedly popular account amongst students of history of technology.