This book uses new sources to indepth the early history of the Telegraph Union (today the International Telecommunication Union) and focuses on the key role political, diplomatic, economic and technical Switzerland played in promoting its birth and managing its structures during the ten years preceding and following its creation (1855 1875). The history of the ITU tends to be neglected in telecommunication history and the role of Switzerland in its formation and management has been largely overlooked. This is surprising for three reasons: first, it was (and still is) the seat of the Bureau;...

Victorian Telegraphy before Nationalization offers an analysis of the technological and entrepreneurial features of the Victorian telegraph service, together with the companies which ran it until nationalization in 1869. Based on original research and extensive study in a variety of archives, the book presents a comprehensive overview of the service. It analyzes both the business and technological history of the Victorian telegraph, showing how they were interdependent. Using a methodological approach, it tracks the ownership of the business, uncovers boardroom-level power games, and examines...