Against the Machine

"In Against the Machine: Manifesto, Brian Van Norman interlaces some unexpected threads. His protagonist Mel Buckworth loses his long-time industrial job, while the "winners" seem to be those riding the new cybernetics waves. Van Norman raises questions about the nature of work, the effects of our wired world on the human psyche, and the ways in which people both love and hurt each other. Well worth reading." -- John Oughton, author of Death by Triangulation
"An inspired concept by author Brian Van Norman. Takes his fascinating and insightful study of the Luddite movement of 19th century England, Against the Machine: Luddites, and relocates the revolution to contemporary Canada in the sequel Against the Machine: Manifesto. Computers against the common man. A battle for survival." -- Nancy Silcox, author of The Exceptional Vera Good: A Life Beyond the Polka Dot Door
"In the second book by Van Norman (and one hopes this will be a trilogy) the battle of man against machine is played out in Waterloo Region where Mel Buckworth, a modern-day Everyman, is replaced by the onslaught of technology. This book is a fascinating study of why mankind needs to remain in control of his own designs." -- Bruce Meyer, author of Grace of Falling Stars
"Van Norman's Manifesto is so richly detailed with all of the descriptions so vivid that we are unwittingly taken outside of ourselves and magically transported to a different time and place. Find here, in the pages of Manifesto the struggle of man against machine against man. The past raging against the present will surely define the future. You're invited." -- David Menear, author of Swallows Playing Chicken