This collection investigates the 'material turn' in the humanities and social sciences, questioning how material objects and physical environments shape social, political, and historical processes. Edited by Tony Bennett and Patrick Joyce, the volume brings together scholars from diverse disciplines to examine the intersection of materiality, governance, and cultural practice. The contributors argue that materiality is not merely a passive backdrop to human action but an active participant in the construction of states, colonial administrations, and modern engineering practices.

Scholars and students of cultural studies and history frequently cite this volume as a key text for understanding the shift toward material analysis in the social sciences. Experts highlight the book's interdisciplinary approach as a foundational resource for those examining the intersection of political technology and material culture.