Re: recs on the history of computing

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Newmedia () aol com
Date: December 24, 2008 5:52:16 AM EST
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Re: [IP] recs on the history of computing

Sarah:

Surprisingly little, sad to say.  Much of the popular writing about  
companies and people has been superficial or wrong or both, it seems  
to me.  How can you write about Google and ignore SunSoft (or their  
customers)?

"The Dream Machine: JCR Licklider and the Revolution the Made  
Computing Personal" by M. Waldrop is a good place to start.  It  
reminds us that computing is a strategic/military technology and that  
what is old is new again.

"What the Dormouse Said: How the 60's Counterculture Shaped the  
Personal Computer Industry" by John Markoff reminds us that LSD (also  
a military technology) and PCs were born in the same test-tube.

"Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: The Dynamics of  
Bubbles and Golden Ages" by Carlota Perez shows us how techno-economic  
paradigms follow a pattern that you can (almost) take to the bank.

Btw, the Synergy phase of the current TEP is due once we get over the  
current mess.

Mark Stahlman
New York City



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