I've been reading a very good book as of late, and would highly recommend it for those interested in the origins of our service, as well as those interested in the socioeconomic dynamics of the radio hobby.
The book, "Ham Radio's Technical Culture" by Kristen Haring, explains in most through detail why we become hams, the intricate nature of our hobby, and the ways which ham radio has been viewed by society at large over years gone by. Covering the period of radio from roughly the 1930s to the 1970, Haring deals with what many have labeled the "Golden Days" of radio, the 1940s - 1950s period.
I'd advise skipping chapter 1, I found it somewhat dull, more of a statement of her research protocol than a commentary on the amateur service itself, but the rest of the book reads very well. She offers a perspective of society's view of ham radio, from adoration in the early days, to puzzlement and even disdain in the 1970s. The stress that ham radio sometimes places upon a marriage is noted, Haring even presents a humorous radio magazine article about converting the YL to ham radio.
It is clear to me that she has done a good deal of research, she often quotes from old radio club newsletter, magazines, and handbooks. The book, while not overly illustrated with period photos, does a have a number of interesting images from radio's past. As she is not a ham herself, in many ways I found it was as fascinating to analyze Haring's reactions to our hobby as it was to read the book!
As a radio amateur, I was concerned about the treatment of our beloved hobby by an "outsider", but I found Haring's treatment to be both fair and balanced. I even learned a few things, and in many ways developed an even deeper appreciation for the value that amateur radio has brought into my life, and the lives of those around me.
You can find her book at Amazon. or other booksellers. MIT Press also has a website with additional information and reviews, located at
http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2&tid=10967.
73 Bruce
