The last two decades have seen the digital world evolve at an unimaginable pace. From the rise of the internet to the advancements in artificial intelligence and the pervasive influence of powerful technology, society has been transformed in ways that are both fascinating and concerning. Central to this transformation are the voices of those who have lived and worked within the technology sector, offering unique insights into its growth, challenges, and the impact it has had on our lives.
1. Ellen Ullman’s Life in Code: A Personal History of Technology
Ellen Ullman’s Life in Code is one such voice. As a computer programmer who started her career in San Francisco in the 1970s, Ullman offers a deeply personal perspective on the world of technology. Having entered the field when it was still in its infancy, she was part of a small, idealistic group of programmers who believed they could change the world. Her memoir provides a nuanced account of the early days of coding, reflecting on how digital technology gradually lost its innocence as it became mainstream. Ullman, who also published the widely recognized Close to the Machine in 1997, continues to delve into the complexities of working in a world shaped by rapid technological change.
About the author
Ellen Ullman, an American computer programmer and writer, has been an influential voice in the world of technology. Starting her career in the 1970s, Ullman not only contributed to the development of coding but also reflected deeply on the cultural and social impact of technology. Her work, including Close to the Machine and Life in Code, offers an insider’s view of the evolution of digital culture over the decades.
2. Anna Wiener’s Uncanny Valley
Anna Wiener’s Uncanny Valley paints a more modern picture of Silicon Valley, shedding light on the darker sides of the tech industry. Wiener, who moved from book publishing to the tech sector in search of a more dynamic career, experienced firsthand the pitfalls of the Silicon Valley culture. Her memoir explores the toxic environments that often accompany the industry’s pursuit of success, where failures, greed, and bullying are commonplace. Wiener’s account resonates with the scandals and controversies that have plagued the tech world in recent years, offering readers a candid view of what life is like inside one of the most powerful industries in the world.
About the author
Anna Wiener is a tech correspondent for The New Yorker and author of the memoir Uncanny Valley. After transitioning from the publishing industry to Silicon Valley, Wiener offers a unique outsider-turned-insider perspective on the complexities of working in the tech industry. Her work shines a light on the darker aspects of the tech world, including issues of toxic culture and corporate greed.
3. Dr. Joy Lisi Rankin’s A People’s History of Computing in the United States
Dr. Joy Lisi Rankin, in her book A People’s History of Computing in the United States, takes readers back to the 1960s and 1970s, challenging the dominant narrative of computing history. While the popular image of the tech world is often centered around Silicon Valley’s eccentric billionaires, Rankin focuses on the unsung heroes—teachers, students, and everyday users—who were integral to the development of personal and social computing. Her research highlights how these individuals, connected through academic networks, were responsible for pioneering many of the activities we associate with modern computing, including programming, gaming, and communication.
About the author
Dr. Joy Lisi Rankin leads the research program on Gender, Race, and Power in Artificial Intelligence at the AI Now Institute at New York University. Her historical research on the development of computing offers a fresh narrative on the people behind early technological innovations, focusing on the collaborative efforts of communities outside of Silicon Valley.
4. Kim Zetter’s Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World’s First Digital Weapon
Kim Zetter’s Countdown to Zero Day shifts the focus to the darker implications of technology, examining the emergence of cyber warfare through the story of Stuxnet—the world’s first digital weapon. Zetter’s investigative work unravels the complex web of events leading to the creation of this malicious worm, which was designed to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program. In her exploration of Stuxnet’s development and its broader implications, Zetter raises important questions about the future of cyber warfare and the vulnerability of global infrastructure in an increasingly digital world.
About the author
Kim Zetter is an award-winning investigative journalist who has covered cybersecurity and national security for over two decades. Best known for her work on cyber warfare, Zetter’s book Countdown to Zero Day details the story of Stuxnet and the growing threats of digital weapons in the modern age.
5. Claire L. Evans’s Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet
Finally, Claire L. Evans’s Broad Band brings to the forefront the overlooked contributions of women in the development of the internet. Evans uncovers the stories of female pioneers in computing and programming, highlighting the crucial roles they played in shaping the technology we rely on today. Her work challenges the male-dominated history of the tech world, celebrating the innovation and achievements of women who have long been underappreciated in this field.
About the author
Claire L. Evans is a writer, musician, and co-author of the pop group YACHT. With her book Broad Band, Evans sheds light on the contributions of women to the history of the internet, bringing forward the untold stories of female innovators in the world of technology. She is also a contributor to various publications, including VICE and The Guardian.
Conclusion
These books collectively offer a multifaceted view of the technology industry—its history, culture, and future. Through the eyes of these authors, readers can better understand the complexities of an industry that is continually reshaping the way we live, work, and connect. As technology continues to advance, the voices of those who have experienced its growth firsthand will remain essential in helping us navigate its ever-evolving landscape.