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What the Dormouse Said
352 pages, 2006
John Markoff’s What the Dormouse Said is a groundbreaking book that traces the origins of personal computing, a technology that transformed how we live and work.
The book begins in the 1960s and ’70s at Stanford University, where a group of visionaries set out to turn computers into tools for freedom and exploration.
What the Dormouse Said is filled with engaging stories about some of the most influential figures in computer history, including Ken Kesey, who introduced many people to LSD; Cap’n Crunch, who gained fame by hacking into phone systems; The Whole Earth Catalog; and Homebrew Computer Lab, where Steve Wozniak built his first computer. Markoff writes about these characters and others with insight and empathy.
In 'What the Dormouse Said', John Markoff explores the birth of the digital age. He takes us back to the 1960s and 70s, showing us how the counterculture movement in San Francisco played a crucial role in the development of the personal computer. It's a fascinating look into the origins of the tech world as we know it today.
Markoff digs into the surprising influence of psychedelic drugs on the development of the personal computer. He shows how the use of these substances by tech pioneers led to breakthroughs in computer technology. It's a unique perspective that you won't find in many other tech histories.
The book also shines a light on the often overlooked role of women in the early days of tech. Markoff highlights the contributions of women like Adele Goldberg, who played a key role in the development of the influential Smalltalk programming language. It's a reminder that the tech world has always been more diverse than it sometimes seems.
Markoff takes a deep look into how the counterculture movement of the 60s and 70s influenced the tech world. He shows how the free-thinking, anti-establishment ethos of the counterculture helped to shape the open, collaborative spirit that's still a big part of Silicon Valley culture today.
Finally, 'What the Dormouse Said' encourages us to think about the future of tech. By understanding the roots of the digital age, we can better anticipate where it's headed. Markoff's research into the past gives us valuable insights into what the tech world might look like in the years to come.
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