Includes index

An engaging study of the nerd in American popular culture and throughout history discussed in such contexts as the rise of online gaming, the science fiction club, ethnicity, Asperger's syndrome, autism, and high school and college debating

Pt. 1. A history of the nerd. What is a nerd -- The mark of greatness -- Newt envy, and were there nerds in the 19th century? -- The case against scientists in towers -- The rise of phys ed -- Dawn of the fan -- Sherry Turkle, T. S. Eliot, and the split between feeling and thinking -- The word "nerd" and the birth and growth of the guy in high pants and glasses -- Effeminate Jewish grinds, cyborg Asians -- Pt. 2. Among the nerds. Zack and Jack and high-school debate -- Case study: Darren from the ghetto of Amherst -- The cool nerd: superficial reflections on the hipster -- Nerd love -- The autism spectrum -- Pure pwnage -- The graying of the old-school nerd -- Coronation, or, Why group nerd events are necessary -- Why do people like Dungeons & Dragons and fake swords? -- Case study: Kenneth the Demonslayer -- My credentials

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