BKACCEMP.RVW   950317
 
%A   Robert X. Cringely
%C   1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA   01867-9984
%D   1992
%G   0-201-57032-7
%I   Addison-Wesley
%O   U$19.95/C$25.95 800-822-6339 617-944-3700 Fax: (617) 944-7273
%P   324
%T   "Accidental Empires"
"Accidental Empires", Robert X. Cringely, 1992, 0-201-57032-7, U$19.95/C$25.95
 
In chapter two, "normal" distribution--the fact that for any given skill, there
are those who do poorly, those who do well, and most, the vast majority, who do
"middlin'"--is discussed.  It is used as an illustration of what technical
brilliance; even genius; is.  The early chapters of the book serve as such an
illustration as well.  Most people don't understand technology.  Of those who
do, very few can understand people or business.  And of those very few who
understand all three, almost nobody can write.  The opening chapter combines
technical understanding with personal insights and business analysis, all
packaged in brilliantly entertaining text.
 
This book is intended to be fun, rather than history.  It certainly is fun, a
fascinating collection of snippets and anecdotes from microcomputer development
and the rise of the major companies today.  The inclusion of the canard that
Gary Kildall skipped an appointment with IBM to go flying makes some of the
stories suspect, but the overall framework is so solid that a few varnished
rumours probably don't hurt.
 
One aspect for which I was very grateful was the lack of axe-grinding.  The
temptation to dispense advice, common to columnists and professors alike, is
avoided until almost two-thirds of the way through the book.  At that point,
the material gets a bit disorganized, a bit preachy, and less interesting.  The
last third is only good, where the majority of the book is great.
 
Recommended for anyone in the technical fields, business, or who just likes a
good read.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1995   BKACCEMP.RVW   950317
 
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