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
Models. Behaving. Badly.
The One Sentence Persuasion Course
ANSI Common Lisp
Originals
Bull!
Conquest, Tribute & Trade
The Fountainhead
A Soldier of the Great War
Concentrated Investing
It's Earnings That Count
Being You
A Mathematician's Apology
Restoring Our Republic
The Worlds I See
Ender's Game
The Crisis of Global Capitalism
Second Foundation
The Greatness Mindset
God Emperor of Dune
Active Inference
Philosophy and Scientific Realism
Take Back The Game
Thinking and Deciding
Expert Political Judgement
Bringing Down The House
The Making of a Philosopher
Dance to the Tune of Life
When The Wolves Bite
Work Hard. Be Nice.
Walden
The Attention Merchants
The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read
Capital In The 21st Century
War Nerd
Antifragile
How to Teach Your Baby Math
Moonwalking with Einstein
The Making of Europe
Foundation
Vasistha's Yoga
Programming Bitcoin
Chasing the Light
The Most Important Thing
Call Me by Your Name
Unelected Power
Dreamstate
The Money Game
Born To Run
Bel Canto
The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get
David Foster Wallace
The Quiet American
The Hate U Give
Blood and Thunder
Give and Take
Awakening Joy
The Complete Stories
The Statistical Mechanics of Financial Markets
Bet The Farm
Working in Public
The First Conspiracy
A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
How to Dress an Egg
The Skeptical Environmentalist
The Emotionally Intelligent Investor
The Museum of Other People
The Making of a Manager
Nothing To Lose
How to Be Topp
Lives of the Eminent Philosophers
The Serengeti Rules
The Smartest Guys In The Room
The Holy Grail of Investing
Rise of the Machines
Mess
Once a Warrior
Conflicted
Letters to a Young Scientist
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance?
Emergency
The Truth Machine
Bureaucracy
Globalizing Capital
It's All Too Much
The Craft
All Quiet on the Western Front
Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air
The Most Important Thing Illuminated
The Courage To Be Disliked
McMafia
Growth IQ
Change.edu
Trump
Spain in Our Hearts
The Untethered Soul
Changing Minds
The Wisdom of Crowds
Range