The book started from the premise that the proliferation of communication technologies – fibre optic cables, satellites and computers is part of a revolution in the nature of control. It showed how networks can be used both to communicate and outcommunicate.  The book analysed the dynamics of power and control -  showing why some of the widespread hopes that networks would automatically erode hierarchies were likely to prove misguided.  It came out shortly before the Internet became part of everyday life and proved prescient in its diagnosis of the economics and politics of a networked world.