Engines of Order

Bernhard Rieder is Associate Professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam and a collaborator with the Digital Methods Initiative.

• Acknowledgements, Credits, Introduction, Part I, 1. Engines of Order, 2. Rethinking Software, 3. Software-Making and Algorithmic Techniques, Part II, 4. From Universal Classification to a Postcoordinated Universe, 5. From Frequencies to Vectors, 6. Interested Learning, 7. Calculating Networks: from Sociometry to PageRank, Conclusion: Toward Technical Culture, Index.

"How were computers given the task of searching and classifying information? Engines of Order offers an exciting archaeology of the algorithmic techniques that made these feats possible. It is a unique book that mixes a high level of theorization with a detailed examination of modes of expression in the form of technique." - Dominique Cardon, Professor at Sciences Po Paris and Director, médialab "This book is essential reading for everybody who wants to better understand our algorithmic society. For the first time, a number of key data techniques such as data-driven classification methods are given proper theoretical and historical attention. I highly recommend this clear and smart guide to the world in which we are all living." - Lev Manovich, Professor at City University of New York and Director, Cultural Analytics Lab