The Infernal Machine

In "The Infernal Machine," bestselling author Steven Johnson offers a riveting exploration of the anarchist movement's violent campaign in early 20th-century New York City, juxtaposed against the evolution of modern policing. As newly appointed Commissioner Arthur Woods strives to reform the NYPD, he faces an unprecedented wave of bombings orchestrated by radicals like Alexander Berkman and Emma Goldman. This compelling narrative delves into themes of fanaticism, forensic science, and the struggle between liberty and order, revealing a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter in American history that resonates with contemporary issues of surveillance and civil unrest.