We know the end product, but how many of us know the history, vision and progress of an idea to final product of anything? Not often. This book mentions about the pioneer of different products and ideas coming together to what is a common place item in todays' world; the personal computer. That said, it does not focus on the science of it, instead the behavior and life of these pioneers.

There was a line which I captured (as Engelbart's understanding from Mao's red book), "you couldn't just drop new technology on people and expect it to work. Mind and behavior had to change as well". Engelbart was looking for ways to force change and if Augment was going to accelerate the human intellect, he asked "what were the equivalent social and individual changes that needed to be made within the organizations"?

Much to digest for a non-tech person like myself, nevertheless an eye-opening book.

An interesting and entertaining history of the early days of the personal computer industry in Northern California. Proof that dreams and ideas are powerful and although they may be ahead of their time, can come to fruition. If you are interested in the history of the computer industry, read this book.

Nothing overly mind expanding, but very enjoyable. Great narrative of how these fascinating individuals were drawn to the San Fran area around the same time and how their pursuits - some only tangentially related to computers or electronics - wound up drastically changing the future.

Interesting recounting of the origins of the personal computing revolution; an interesting read after Turing's Cathedral. Were they all on drugs? Hard to say...