The Truth Machine: A Social History of the Lie Detector (Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology)
The Truth Machinesurpasses all previous studies of lie detectors in illuminating the historical and cultural contexts in which this controversial device originated. In clear and compelling style Geoffrey Bunn examines how and why the lie detector was finally 'invented' in the United States despite its being based upon far earlier European technological innovations. In the process Bunn offers a fascinating case study in the evolution of 'truth' itself. The book could hardly be more timely.(Howard Segal, University of Maine)Any with an interest in criminal justice or general social issues will find this a compelling account.(Midwest Book Review)To paraphrase Dragnet, there are many histories to tell of the lie detector; this is a good one.(Ken AdlerHistory of Science Society)