Brian Gough’s Notes

occasional GNU-related news

Two Bits – The Cultural Significance of Free Software

I have recently finished reading the book "Two Bits – The Cultural Significance of Free Software" by Christopher M. Kelty, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Rice University.

In summary, the book examines the development of the free software movement from an anthropological point of view (it is based on research work done as part of the authors PhD thesis).

The author identifies some interesting parallels between different endeavours involving freedom and the creation of information infrastructure, such as the development of internet protocols and free textbooks.
 
The website for the book is http://twobits.net/

It is published under the CC BY-NC-SA license.