The New New Thing
Hightlight
-
Narrative Driven
The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story
Author
Michael Lewis
Published Date
1999
Page Count
272
Overview
“The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story” by Michael Lewis captures the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley during the late 1990s dot-com boom. The book focuses on the story of Jim Clark, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who founded several successful tech companies, including Netscape. Lewis provides a vivid account of Clark’s ventures and the broader culture of Silicon Valley, exploring themes of ambition, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of the “new new thing” – the next big innovation.
- Lewis, Michael (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages - 01/06/2014 (Publication Date) - W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)
Key Themes
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The drive and creativity behind Silicon Valley’s tech boom.
- Biography of Jim Clark: Clark’s journey as an entrepreneur and the founding of groundbreaking tech companies.
- Silicon Valley Culture: An inside look at the ethos and dynamics of the tech industry in Silicon Valley.
- Dot-Com Bubble: The excitement and excesses of the late 1990s tech boom and the eventual burst of the dot-com bubble.
Historical Context
Set during the peak of the dot-com era, the book captures a pivotal moment in the history of technology and entrepreneurship, marked by rapid innovation and speculative investment in internet companies.
Author’s Background
Michael Lewis, known for his engaging narrative style, has a knack for bringing complex financial and business stories to life. His background in financial journalism allows him to provide insightful commentary on the tech industry and its key players.
Impact and Legacy
“The New New Thing” is acclaimed for its compelling storytelling and insightful analysis of the culture and personalities that drove the tech boom of the 1990s, making it a classic account of this transformative period in the tech industry.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: The book offers an entertaining and insightful look into Silicon Valley’s innovation culture and the personalities behind the tech revolution. Weaknesses: Given its focus on a specific era, some aspects of the book may feel dated as the tech industry has continued to evolve rapidly.
Who Should Read This?
Ideal for readers interested in the history of Silicon Valley, entrepreneurship, and the personalities and ideas that have shaped the modern tech industry.
Similar Books
- “Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer” by Michael Swaine and Paul Freiberger: A history of the personal computer industry and its roots in Silicon Valley.
- “Chaos Monkeys: Obscene Fortune and Random Failure in Silicon Valley” by Antonio GarcÃa MartÃnez: A memoir offering an irreverent look at the culture of Silicon Valley startups.
Final Thoughts
“The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story” provides a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Silicon Valley during one of its most dynamic and influential periods, offering valuable insights into the mindset and innovations that continue to shape our world.
- Lewis, Michael (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages - 01/06/2014 (Publication Date) - W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)
