Founder connections
- Paul GrahamCited as a startup-history exampleGraham names this as a famous example of histories of startups and industries in his startup FAQ. He presents the genre as useful; this passage is not an explicit claim that he read or praised this particular book.Source
Summary
Tracy Kidder follows a company’s effort to bring a new computer to market. The narrative concentrates on the people doing the work and the intense demands of a fast-moving technology business.
Their pursuit of innovation shows how technical ambition, working culture and business pressure meet in a shared project. First published in 1981, the book offers a close account of work during an early period of the computer industry.
Why read it Our view
Follow Data General’s project to build and ship a new computer. The account connects technical development with the work of the team, providing a concrete case for discussing how a complex product reaches delivery.