Broad Band by Claire L. Evans Summary

Broad Band uncovers the pivotal yet overlooked contributions of women to computing and internet development, from WWII-era programmers to 1990s web pioneers. Claire L. Evans traces their roles in creating ARPANET, hypertext systems, and early online communities, challenging the male-dominated narrative of tech history. The book blends technical innovation stories with social commentary on gender and technology.

Tech enthusiasts, feminists, and history buffs will find this book essential. It’s ideal for readers interested in intersectional tech history, reclaiming women’s legacy in STEM, or understanding how marginalized voices shaped the internet. Computer science students and professionals seeking a nuanced perspective on digital evolution will also benefit.

Yes. Evans’ well-researched narrative fills critical gaps in mainstream tech history, offering fresh insights into groundbreaking women like Elizabeth Feinler and Radia Perlman. Reviews praise its balance between technical detail and accessible storytelling, calling it a “satisfactory introduction” to internet origins and gender dynamics in tech.

The book highlights:

• Elizabeth “Jake” Feinler, who developed ARPANET’s WHOIS system and domain naming conventions.
• Radia Perlman, inventor of the Spanning Tree Protocol for Ethernet.
• Wendy Hall and Cathy Marshall, hypertext visionaries.
• Stacy Horn, founder of the early online community Echo.

Evans argues that women’s contributions were systematically erased despite shaping foundational tech, from military computers to social web platforms. She critiques how commercialization replicated real-world inequalities online but also emphasizes these pioneers’ resilience as a blueprint for inclusive design.

The book spans:

• 1940s–1960s: Early computing and programming (e.g., WWII codebreakers).
• 1970s–1980s: Networked systems like ARPANET and BBS communities.
• 1990s: Hypertext innovation and the World Wide Web’s rise.

Evans notes that while early web communities like Echo fostered inclusivity, commercialization entrenched sexism, racism, and class divides. She contrasts pioneers’ optimistic visions with modern challenges like misinformation, urging readers to “remake” tech by learning from this history.

Stacy Horn’s Echo, launched in 1990, was one of the first online spaces prioritizing gender balance and “safe” sub-communities. Evans frames it as a precursor to modern social media, highlighting how Horn’s grassroots approach countered the male-dominated internet culture of the time.

Unlike male-centric narratives (e.g., The Innovators), Broad Band recenters women as architects of digital infrastructure. It merges technical milestones (like Perlman’s networking protocols) with social context, offering a holistic view of innovation.

Some readers find the ending abrupt, as Evans shifts from critiquing tech’s flaws to advocating for systemic change without a clear roadmap. Critics suggest this pivot feels underdeveloped, leaving practical solutions for future works.

As debates about AI ethics and online equity intensify, Evans’ examination of historical exclusion offers lessons for building inclusive tech. The book’s focus on community-driven design resonates with current movements toward decentralized platforms.