Cool Comfort: America's Romance with Air-Conditioning

by Marsha E. Ackermann

The year 2002 marked the 100th anniversary of the first installation of air-conditioning. During the past century, it has become a staple of American life; 83% of US homes are now air-conditioned. In this engaging social history, Marsha Ackermann explores how the idea of “cooling” became firmly embedded in the social perceptions and expectations of Americans, transforming our definition of comfort and the way we live, work, and play.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Thomas Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ackerman parlayed her distaste for air conditioning as a teenager in the 1950s into an academic career. Doesn't cover the technical history.

[Dave Guia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Marsha Ackermann for putting together this rather interesting accumulation of data on what we now all seem to take for granted. Oh...I remember plenty of "pre-airconditioning" days when I was young - and I have to admit that I found no pleasure in those days at all. Cleveland Ohio can be oppressively hot and humid and sleeping was often unbearable.
So, I for one, do disagree with Ms. Ackermann - Air Conditioning is marvelous!

[Eric in Ohio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fine dissertation with the interesting tidbit that American's didn't embrace air conditioning, esp. in the home, for quite some time.

[Jamees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a weak premise. I wrote a book review of this.