A history of information from its inception in the world to its transformation of culture. Drawing on the history of ideas, details of information technology, and boundaries of the human condition, this text explains the relationship between things and signs, and between reality and information.

"Holding On to Reality" is a brilliant history of information, from its inception in the natural world to its role in the transformation of culture to the current Internet mania and is attendant assets and liabilities. Drawing on the history of ideas, the details of information technology, and the boundaries of the human condition, Borgmann illuminates the relationship between things and signs, between reality and information.