Cool Comfort

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.Marsha E. Ackermann lectures in history at Eastern Michigan University.The social history of how air-conditioning has transformed Americans' definition of comfort and the way we live, work, and play.