As a backdrop to help focus on the shape of magnetism in future, seven ages
in the history of magnetism from ancient times to the 20th century are dis
cussed. Drivers and beneficiaries are identified in each age. Some current
trends in the areas of hard magnets, soft magnets and magnetic recording ar
e described and extrapolated. Key developments are the ability to structure
materials and devices on characteristic magnetic length scales in the nano
meter range, and the emergence of the new science of spin electronics. Some
speculative suggestions about areas where breakthroughs could be expected
in future are included. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.