Comprised of John Gibbons's non-technical writings from the last three decades, THIS GIFTED AGE shows readers both the limiting and the liberating influences of government on technological research and development. In many of the articles, essays, and interviews collected here, Gibbons addresses the broad issue of the government's role in supporting, advocating, and directing technological advancement. Other selections focus on specific areas where science and government join forces in the service of society. Together, these writings provide a behind-the-scenes look at national science and technology initiatives since 1972, and chart the changing public and political attitudes that shaped those initiatives.