THE ERA OF MEGAPHONICS: ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF LOUD SOUND, 1880-1930
by Timothy Hecker
This thesis examines a cultural interest in loud sound as a productive force between 1880
and 1930. Recent historical scholarship on sound at the turn of the 20th century has given
substantial attention to noise abatement movements and their efforts to control public space.
In shifting the focus towards a significant collection of people interested in the generative
aspects of sonic power and its ability to paralyze the body, empty the mind and even
threaten life is to suggest ways in which idealist or utopian hopes were interlaced with an
idea of sonic agency.
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