The Idea Factory
Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:30th May '13
Should be back in stock very soon
This book recounts the history of Bell Labs and its influential inventors, showcasing how their innovations shaped the modern world. The Idea Factory is a must-read for technology enthusiasts.
In The Idea Factory, Jon Gertner explores the remarkable journey of Bell Labs, a pioneering research institution that played a crucial role in shaping modern technology. From its inception in the 1920s to its closure in the 1980s, Bell Labs was not just a laboratory; it was a vibrant ecosystem of innovation where groundbreaking ideas flourished. The story centers around a select group of brilliant and eccentric individuals, including Mervin Kelly, Bill Shockley, Claude Shannon, John Pierce, and Bill Baker, who dedicated their lives to advancing technology and pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
The narrative delves into the significant inventions that emerged from Bell Labs, including the transistor, laser, and advancements in digital communications and cellular telephony. These innovations have had a profound impact on the way we live today, making it difficult to find an area of modern life that hasn't been influenced by the work done at this iconic institution. Gertner's account not only highlights the inventions themselves but also the unique culture and environment that fostered such creativity.
The Idea Factory serves as a testament to the importance of collaboration, risk-taking, and visionary thinking in the field of technology. By examining the challenges and triumphs faced by these inventors, Gertner provides valuable insights into the nature of innovation and the essential elements that contribute to successful technological advancement. This book is a captivating exploration of an era that defined the future of technology.
“Filled with colorful characters and inspiring lessons . . . The Idea Factory explores one of the most critical issues of our time: What causes innovation?” —Walter Isaacson, The New York Times Book Review
“Riveting . . . Mr. Gertner’s portraits of Kelly and the cadre of talented scientists who worked at Bell Labs are animated by a journalistic ability to make their discoveries and inventions utterly comprehensible—indeed, thrilling—to the lay reader. And they showcase, too, his novelistic sense of character and intuitive understanding of the odd ways in which clashing or compatible personalities can combine to foster intensely creative collaborations.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times
“One of the best innovation-focused books I've read: It's a wide-ranging, detailed, and deeply fascinating look at the New Jersey lab which has been churning out useful discoveries since the early 1900s.” —The Boston Globe
“Fascinating history . . . the research behind The Idea Factory is astonishing.” —Slate Book Review
“Compelling . . . Gertner's book offers fascinating evidence for those seeking to understand how a society should best invest its research resources.” —The Wall Street Journal
“An expansive new history . . . does an impressive job of illuminating many of Bell Labs’ key technological triumphs.” —Wired.com
ISBN: 9780143122791
Dimensions: 214mm x 139mm x 24mm
Weight: 370g
432 pages