The Soul of A New Machine

Tracy Kidder

Book Synopsis

"The Soul of a New Machine" by Tracy Kidder is a compelling non-fiction book that delves into the world of computer engineering and the creation of a groundbreaking computer.

In the late 1970s, Data General Corporation, a struggling computer company, takes on the daring task of designing a revolutionary new computer system. The book follows the team led by Tom West, an experienced engineer, as they work tirelessly to bring this machine to life.

Kidder skillfully portrays the inner workings of this team, capturing their dedication, passion, and the immense pressure they face. He explores both the technical challenges they encounter and the human dynamics at play.

As the deadline looms and tensions rise, the team becomes consumed by their work, working long hours and sacrificing personal lives. Kidder provides an intimate glimpse into the lives and minds of these engineers, painting a vivid picture of their drive and determination.

Through detailed interviews and immersive storytelling, Kidder highlights the struggles, breakthroughs, and setbacks the team experiences during the computer's development. The narrative is both engrossing and thought-provoking, offering a unique insight into the world of computer engineering.

"The Soul of a New Machine" not only explores the creation of a machine but also delves into the larger themes of innovation, ambition, and the impact of technology on society. It raises questions about the ethics of progress and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of technological advancement.

Kidder's powerful account brings the reader into the heart of the computer engineering world, capturing the blend of human intellect and ingenious engineering that goes into creating groundbreaking innovations. "The Soul of a New Machine" is an enlightening and captivating read for anyone interested in the development of technology and the people behind it.

Explore More Books

See All
Think Like a Monk
Leading Without Authority
The 10,000 Year Explosion
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth
How To Get Rich
The Uninhabitable Earth
The Evolution of Cooperation
The Bitcoin Standard
Managing Oneself
Blackout
As I Lay Dying
The Godfather
Future Babble
This Brave New World
The Black Swan
I'd Like To Play Alone, Please
The Neverending Story
The Cancer Code
Origin Story
Sell with a Story
Beat the Wealth Management Hustle
Race Against The Machine
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Lincoln
Idoru
The God Delusion
Build
Elon Musk
Financial Derivatives
Hidden Potential
Clearing The Air
The Martian
The Making of the Atomic Bomb
The Devil in the White City
Leonardo Da Vinci
Thank You For Smoking
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Zoning Rules!
A Most Beautiful Thing
Raising Girls
Dear Chairman: Boardroom Battles and the Rise of Shareholder Activism
The Discovery of France
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter
The Man Who Fed The World
Founding Sales
The Machine Stops
My American Journey
Nature Via Nurture
The Seventh Sense
In Pursuit of the Common Good
The Power of Positive Thinking
Nexus
Storm of Steel
The Innovators
Joy on Demand
I Am Not a Tractor
Your Keys Our Home
Grass Productivity
The Celestine Prophecy
In Praise of Shadows
Revolution in The Valley
The Printing Revolution in Early Modern Europe
The Idea Factory
Triumphs of Experience
Expectations Investing
Energy
American Kingpin
Dune
The Great Transformation
Self Reliance
Hate Inc.
The AI Revolution in Medicine
On Wings of Eagles
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
To Kill a Mockingbird
Immortality
The Revolt of the Public
Barbarian Days
The Survivor
Conspiracy
More Human
The Holy Bible
Scientific Advertising
The River War
Where Do School Funds Go?
Ending the War on Drugs
Class Warfare
The Man Who Invented Fidel
The Story of Civilization: The Renaissance
Darwin's Blind Spot
The Creative Society
Winning The Loser's Game
The Storytelling Animal
A Sense of Where You Are
A Year with Rumi
AI Superpowers
The Chile Project
Seeing Like a State
Nourishing Traditions
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls