In "The Soul of a New Machine," Tracy Kidder takes readers inside the high-stakes world of computer engineering during the 1980s, capturing the passionate and often chaotic race to create a groundbreaking computer. Through the eyes of a diverse team at Data General, we witness the tension between innovation and corporate pressures, as brilliant minds clash and collaborate in the pursuit of technological excellence. Kidder delves deep into the human spirit, revealing how obsession, ambition, and camaraderie fuel their relentless quest for success. As the deadline looms, the stakes become increasingly personal, intertwining professional triumphs with individual sacrifices. Prepare to be enthralled by a gripping saga that explores the heart and soul behind the machines that shape our future.
By Tracy Kidder
Published: 2011
"Machines take me by surprise with great frequency."
Tracy Kidder's "riveting" (Washington Post) story of one company's efforts to bring a new microcomputer to market won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award and has become essential reading for understanding the history of the American tech industry. Computers have changed since 1981, when The Soul of a New Machine first examined the culture of the computer revolution. What has not changed is the feverish pace of the high-tech industry, the go-for-broke approach to business that has caused so many computer companies to win big (or go belly up), and the cult of pursuing mind-bending technological innovations. The Soul of a New Machine is an essential chapter in the history of the machine that revolutionized the world in the twentieth century. "Fascinating...A surprisingly gripping account of people at work." --Wall Street Journal
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“Machines take me by surprise with great frequency.”
The Soul of A New Machine
By Tracy Kidder
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Tracy Kidder is an acclaimed American author, best known for his non-fiction works that explore the complexities of human experience and the intricacies of individual lives. Born in 1945 in New York City, Kidder graduated from Harvard University and began his writing career as a journalist. His most celebrated book, "Mountains Beyond Mountains," chronicles the life and work of Dr. Paul Farmer, highlighting themes of compassion and social justice. Kidder's writing style is characterized by rich storytelling and meticulous research, earning him prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for "The Soul of a New Machine." With a career spanning several decades, he remains a prominent voice in contemporary literature, inspiring readers with his profound insights into the human condition.
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