In the heart of the 19th century, a revolutionary technology emerged that would forever change the way humanity communicated, shrinking the vast expanse of the world into a network of instant, electrical messages. "The Victorian Internet" by Tom Standage unveils the captivating story of the electric telegraph, the precursor to today's digital connectivity. With a narrative as engaging as any novel, Standage chronicles the invention's development, its societal impacts, and the colorful cast of characters—visionaries, eccentrics, and all manner of individuals in between—who turned a myriad of failed attempts into a communication system that spanned continents and oceans. Standage's work is more than a mere history; it is a reflection on the nature of technological innovation and its profound effects on society. From altering the speed of news dissemination to transforming business practices and even sparking unexpected romances, the telegraph set the stage for the modern, interconnected world. Drawing striking parallels between the telegraph’s era and our current internet age, "The Victorian Internet" reveals how this 19th-century invention set the foundation for the digital revolution we are experiencing today. It's a story of human ingenuity and perseverance, highlighting how the quest to conquer distance in communication has been a driving force in human progress.