Book review: Blood in the Machine

 

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At first, this may seem like a non sequitur book review for this blog, & yet as a costume-maker, I found Brian Merchant's Blood in the Machine a fascinating read, weaving together threads of textile manufacturing history, technology, & rebellion. This book is not just a chronicle of the Luddite movement or a critique of the gig economy; it's a tapestry of human resilience against the relentless march of automation.

Merchant's chronicle begins in the early 19th century, where British textile workers, facing the threat of mechanization, rose up in defiance to smash machines with hammers and axes. These “Luddites,” named after the mythic Ned Ludd, weren't merely vandalizing machines out of spite or proto-punk contrarianism. They were fighting for their livelihoods.

In a harrowing strand of the narrative, Merchant delves into the traumatic life of Charles Ball, an enslaved man whose story intertwines with the broader story of resistance against dehumanizing systems. Ball's journey, marked by extreme hardship,tragedy, and resilience, provides an avenue to discuss the scourge of the cotton trade & serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of progress.  

Born enslaved, he freed himself, served in the military in the War of 1812, gained skilled employment in textile manufacturing, then was betrayed and re-enslaved. Because of his expertise, he wrote in a memoir about the decline he noticed  in fabric quality of the clothing of enslaved people since his pre-industrial childhood when most wore homespun.

His narrative thread underscores the universal quest for dignity and justice, resonating deeply with contemporary battles against exploitation and systemic oppression. Through Ball's story, Merchant not only honors the past but also illuminates an enduring spirit of striving and resistance.

Those familiar with the literary giants of the past will be intrigued by cameos from Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, Charlottes Brontë, and other literary luminaries.

Merchant connects the plight of modern gig workers and the historical struggle of the Luddites. Today's tech titans, with their sprawling empires and algorithm-driven platforms, often mirror the oppressive forces faced by 19th-century textile workers. Gig economy laborers, much like the Luddites, find themselves battling against a system that prioritizes efficiency and profit over human dignity. 

Merchant illustrates how these workers, akin to the Luddites smashing mechanized looms, resist the relentless march of automation and exploitation. This comparison highlights the cyclical nature of labor struggles and the enduring fight for fair treatment in the face of technological advancement. Through this lens, Merchant's narrative becomes a call to recognize and address the human stories behind the digital age's shiny facade.

In Blood in the Machine, Merchant doesn't just recount events; he knits together a narrative that is both informative and engaging. His respect for the Luddites' cause is evident, making this book a compelling read for anyone who has ever felt the ill-treatment of abusive bosses or the sting of technological displacement.

A couple caveats: I listened to the audiobook, which was fine, but I think I might have preferred to read a text copy. Also, be advised—CW for several episodes of gruesome violence and death.