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The Maverick and His Machine: Thomas Watson, Sr. and the Making of IBM

Kevin Maney

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Founder connections

  • Marc AndreessenRecommended in an a16z reading list
    a16z’s own published recommendation list includes this title for Andreessen. The list does not establish completed reading or identify a particular edition.
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Summary

Kevin Maney’s biography examines Thomas J. Watson Sr. and his role in building IBM. It follows the development of the business from the Computer-Tabulating-Recording Company into a major technology company.

Drawing on Watson’s papers, Maney explores the business leader’s character and decisions, including his bets on tabulating machines and his response to the Great Depression. The book connects the growth of the firm with the ambitions of its leader.

  • SourceAuthor: The Maverick and His Machine: Thomas Watson, Sr. and the Making of IBM · Book description: The Maverick and His Machine
  • SourceWiley publisher description via Google Books · Publisher description: Watson papers, tabulating machines, Great Depression; title and author

Why read it Our view

Study Watson’s product bets, IBM’s development and management through the Great Depression.