Blood In The Machine By Brian Merchant

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

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Book Of The Week: Ep 1, A Portentous Comet Marks The Dawn Of The Industrial Revolution

20240311

20240312 (R4)

In Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion it's 1811 and the rise of the machine threatens the craftsmanship and the livelihoods of traditional cloth workers throughout the nation. Hugo Speer reads.

In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. In the nation's industrial heartlands, working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without a sense of purpose or pride in their identities as craftsmen and craftswomen.

Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing men's and women's with machines. The response was the Luddites. They came from the workforce and rose up to reclaim their livelihoods in a well organised and far reaching class struggle which brought the nation to its knees.

Blood in the Machine draws on a number of primary sources, as well as historical accounts based on interviews recorded later on in the nineteenth century with those who participated in and had first hand knowledge of the rebellion.

Brian Merchant is the technology columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and author of the bestseller, The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone. His writing appears in the New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic and Harper's Magazine. He is also the founder of Gizmodo's Automaton project examining AI and the future of work.

Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Lucius in Britannia, Captain Treville in The Musketeers and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

1811: Workers rally behind General Ludd when the rise of the machine threatens their world

Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer.

In Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion it's 1811 and the rise of the machine threatens the livelihoods of traditional cloth workers. Hugo Speer reads.

In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account it's 1811. The rise of the machine threatens the craftsmanship and the livelihoods of traditional cloth workers and they take action. Hugo Speer reads.

In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers.

Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites.

In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

1811: Workers take action when the rise of the machines imperils their jobs.

Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer.

In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account it's 1811. The rise of the machine threatens the livelihoods of textile workers and they take action. Hugo Speer reads.

Book Of The Week: Ep 2, The Luddite Movement Is Born

20240312

20240313 (R4)

In Brian Merchant's telling of the Luddite rebellion it's 1811 and poverty stalks the land. Workers across the textile industry are being displaced by machines and the consequences are felt by all. Hugo Speer reads.

In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers.

Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites.

In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Displaced by machines, textile workers across the industry turn to General Ludd.

Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer.

In Brian Merchant's telling of the Luddite rebellion, workers across the textile industry are being displaced by machines with the consequences felt by all. Hugo Speer reads.

Book Of The Week: Ep 3, The Luddites Find An Unlikely Ally

20240313

20240314 (R4)

In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account of the Luddite rebellion it is now 1812 and textile workers continue to protest their displacement by machines in the name of General Ludd. Meanwhile, they find an unlikely ally. Hugo Speer reads.

In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers.

Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites.

In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings.

Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Captain Treville in The Musketeers and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

The Luddites continue to protest their displacement by machines and find an unlikely ally.

Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer.

In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account of the Luddite rebellion textile workers continue to protest their displacement by machines, and they find an unlikely ally. Hugo Speer reads.

Book Of The Week: Ep 4, The Luddites Set Their Sights On Rawfolds Mill

20240314

20240315 (R4)

In Brian Merchant's account of the first time machines imperilled jobs, it's 1812, and the Luddite movement is spreading throughout the textile industry. In the West Riding, attention turns to a sized factory, Rawfolds Mill. Hugo Speer reads.

In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers.

Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites.

In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings.

Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Lucius in Britannia, and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

The Luddite movement gathers pace in the West Riding and attention turns to Rawfolds Mill.

Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer.

In Brian Merchant's account of the first time machines imperilled jobs. It's 1812, and the Luddites set their sights on a fortress sized factory, Rawfolds Mill. Hugo Speer reads.

Book Of The Week: Ep 5, Autumn 1812, Luddism Is On Trial

20240315

20240316 (R4)

In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account it's autumn 1812 and the consequences of the events that took place at Rawfolds Mill are far reaching for all involved. Hugo Speer reads.

In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers.

Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites.

In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings.

Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Lucius in Britannia, and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Autumn 1812 - events at Rawfolds Mill have far-reaching consequences for Luddism.

Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer.

In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account it's autumn 1812 and the consequences of the events that took place at Rawfolds Mill are far-reaching for all involved. Hugo Speer reads.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	Book Of The Week: Ep 1, A Portentous Comet Marks The Dawn Of The Industrial Revolution	20240311	20240312 (R4)	In Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion it's 1811 and the rise of the machine threatens the craftsmanship and the livelihoods of traditional cloth workers throughout the nation. Hugo Speer reads. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. In the nation's industrial heartlands, working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without a sense of purpose or pride in their identities as craftsmen and craftswomen. Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing men's and women's with machines. The response was the Luddites. They came from the workforce and rose up to reclaim their livelihoods in a well organised and far reaching class struggle which brought the nation to its knees. Blood in the Machine draws on a number of primary sources, as well as historical accounts based on interviews recorded later on in the nineteenth century with those who participated in and had first hand knowledge of the rebellion. Brian Merchant is the technology columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and author of the bestseller, The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone. His writing appears in the New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic and Harper's Magazine. He is also the founder of Gizmodo's Automaton project examining AI and the future of work. Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Lucius in Britannia, Captain Treville in The Musketeers and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone. Abridged by Richard Hamilton 1811: Workers rally behind General Ludd when the rise of the machine threatens their world Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer. In Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion it's 1811 and the rise of the machine threatens the livelihoods of traditional cloth workers. Hugo Speer reads. In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account it's 1811. The rise of the machine threatens the craftsmanship and the livelihoods of traditional cloth workers and they take action. Hugo Speer reads. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers. Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites. Blood in the Machine draws on a number of primary sources, as well as historical accounts based on interviews recorded later on in the nineteenth century with those who participated in and had first hand knowledge of the rebellion. In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings. Brian Merchant is the technology columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and author of the bestseller, The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone. His writing appears in the New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic and Harper's Magazine. He is also the founder of Gizmodo's Automaton project examining AI and the future of work. Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Lucius in Britannia, Captain Treville in The Musketeers and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone. Abridged by Richard Hamilton 1811: Workers take action when the rise of the machines imperils their jobs. Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer. In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account it's 1811. The rise of the machine threatens the livelihoods of textile workers and they take action. Hugo Speer reads.
02	Book Of The Week: Ep 2, The Luddite Movement Is Born	20240312	20240313 (R4)	In Brian Merchant's telling of the Luddite rebellion it's 1811 and poverty stalks the land. Workers across the textile industry are being displaced by machines and the consequences are felt by all. Hugo Speer reads. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers. Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites. Blood in the Machine draws on a number of primary sources, as well as historical accounts based on interviews recorded later on in the nineteenth century with those who participated in and had first hand knowledge of the rebellion. In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings. Brian Merchant is the technology columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and author of the bestseller, The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone. His writing appears in the New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic and Harper's Magazine. He is also the founder of Gizmodo's Automaton project examining AI and the future of work. Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Lucius in Britannia, Captain Treville in The Musketeers and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Displaced by machines, textile workers across the industry turn to General Ludd. Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer. In Brian Merchant's telling of the Luddite rebellion, workers across the textile industry are being displaced by machines with the consequences felt by all. Hugo Speer reads.
03	Book Of The Week: Ep 3, The Luddites Find An Unlikely Ally	20240313	20240314 (R4)	In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account of the Luddite rebellion it is now 1812 and textile workers continue to protest their displacement by machines in the name of General Ludd. Meanwhile, they find an unlikely ally. Hugo Speer reads. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers. Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites. Blood in the Machine draws on a number of primary sources, as well as historical accounts based on interviews recorded later on in the nineteenth century with those who participated in and had first hand knowledge of the rebellion. In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings. Brian Merchant is the technology columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and author of the bestseller, The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone. His writing appears in the New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic and Harper's Magazine. He is also the founder of Gizmodo's Automaton project examining AI and the future of work. Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Captain Treville in The Musketeers and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone. Abridged by Richard Hamilton The Luddites continue to protest their displacement by machines and find an unlikely ally. Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer. In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account of the Luddite rebellion textile workers continue to protest their displacement by machines, and they find an unlikely ally. Hugo Speer reads.
04	Book Of The Week: Ep 4, The Luddites Set Their Sights On Rawfolds Mill	20240314	20240315 (R4)	In Brian Merchant's account of the first time machines imperilled jobs, it's 1812, and the Luddite movement is spreading throughout the textile industry. In the West Riding, attention turns to a sized factory, Rawfolds Mill. Hugo Speer reads. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers. Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites. Blood in the Machine draws on a number of primary sources, as well as historical accounts based on interviews recorded later on in the nineteenth century with those who participated in and had first hand knowledge of the rebellion. In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings. Brian Merchant is the technology columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and author of the bestseller, The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone. His writing appears in the New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic and Harper's Magazine. He is also the founder of Gizmodo's Automaton project examining AI and the future of work. Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Lucius in Britannia, and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone. Abridged by Richard Hamilton The Luddite movement gathers pace in the West Riding and attention turns to Rawfolds Mill. Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer. In Brian Merchant's account of the first time machines imperilled jobs. It's 1812, and the Luddites set their sights on a fortress sized factory, Rawfolds Mill. Hugo Speer reads.
05	Book Of The Week: Ep 5, Autumn 1812, Luddism Is On Trial	20240315	20240316 (R4)	In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account it's autumn 1812 and the consequences of the events that took place at Rawfolds Mill are far reaching for all involved. Hugo Speer reads. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the cloth trade was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. As machines were brought in traditional skills, acquired by cloth workers over years of hard graft, became obsolete. Working men and women were left without the means to feed their families, and without purpose or pride in their identities as workers. Meanwhile, around them they could see that a handful of entrepreneurs, the first tech titans, were accumulating wealth by replacing them with machines. The response was the Luddites. Blood in the Machine draws on a number of primary sources, as well as historical accounts based on interviews recorded later on in the nineteenth century with those who participated in and had first hand knowledge of the rebellion. In his book, Brian Merchant finds parallels between technology's impact on today's workforce and the first time machines replaced the jobs done by human beings. Brian Merchant is the technology columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and author of the bestseller, The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone. His writing appears in the New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic and Harper's Magazine. He is also the founder of Gizmodo's Automaton project examining AI and the future of work. Hugo Speer known for playing DI David Bradford in London Kills, Lucius in Britannia, and Guy in The Full Monty. He also plays DCI Stone in the acclaimed Radio 4 series, Stone. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Autumn 1812 - events at Rawfolds Mill have far-reaching consequences for Luddism. Brian Merchant's compelling account of the Luddite rebellion. Read by Hugo Speer. In Brian Merchant's acclaimed account it's autumn 1812 and the consequences of the events that took place at Rawfolds Mill are far-reaching for all involved. Hugo Speer reads.