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
The Mind of Napoleon
A Guide To Econometrics
History Has Begun
Slugfest
Fertility Pastures
The Soul of A New Machine
The Meaning of It All
The Autobiography of Gucci Mane
Modern Times
Subliminal
Things Never To Tell Children
Dead Wake
Hyperbole and a Half
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
Startups
Olives
Anti Americanism
The Mind Doesn't Work That Way
The Gift of Good Land
Ultralight Backpackin' Tips
The Method Method
The Precariat
Mother of God
When To Jump
Anything You Want
Parasite Rex
The Beak of the Finch
Under Saturn's Shadow
Fingerprints of the Gods
The End of Power
Go To
Tragedy and Hope
Healthy Buildings
The Stopwatch Gang
Quality of Earnings
Lights Out
Dataclysm
Tools of Titans
The Therapeutic Turn
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
Understanding Michael Porter
My Inventions
Lucky Me
The Harmless People
The Remains Of The Day
The Sixth Extinction
Winning
Same As Ever
Blue Ocean Strategy
Why We Believe in God(s)
The Fever
Startup Playbook
Lessons
The Deficit Myth
History and Geography of Human Genes
House of Morgan
Dare To Fly
What School Could Be
The 4 Hour Work Week
Everything All At Once
Kant and the Platypus
The Slow Midnight on Cypress Avenue
Walt Disney
The Tiger
Maverick
Behind the Beautiful Forevers
The Creature from Jekyll Island
The Ethics of Money Production
Hit Men
The House of Rothschild
Poor Charlie's Almanack
The Knowledge
Don't Make Me Think
On Intelligence
Off The Record
Pride and Prejudice
100 Plus
To Sell is Human
King of Capital
The Complete Guide to Sales Force Incentive Compensation
The Aeneid
Sperm Wars
The Moth Presents All These Wonders
How To Win Friends and Influence People
Leading
A Timeless Way of Building
The Little Prince
The Yellow Pad
Food of the Gods
The Rape of Nanking
America's Cultural Revolution
Profile of a Nation
Liberal Privelege
On Power
Montaigne's Essays
Algorithms to Live By
The Water Dancer
Trump: America First
Hatching Twitter
In the Heart of the Sea