Mac's 40th birthday!

Written By Teodor Bjerrang

The Apple Mac just turned 40 (Jan 24, 1984), which gave me a good excuse to create an Apple-related book list for all us Apple fans, including books pre and post the birth of the classic Mac.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” - Steve Jobs

Quick list

Revolution in The Valley: The Insanely Great Story of How the Mac Was Made

by Andy Hertzfeld is an insightful chronicle of the development of Apple's first Macintosh computer. The book provides an insider's view of the innovative and often chaotic journey that led to one of the most iconic creations in technology history. Hertzfeld, one of the primary software architects of the Macintosh, shares personal anecdotes and experiences, shedding light on the unique blend of creative and technical challenges the team faced. The narrative reveals the intense work ethic, the drive for perfection, and the spirit of collaboration under the leadership of Steve Jobs. It's a compelling account of how a small group of passionate individuals revolutionized the tech industry, encapsulating the essence of innovation, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence that defined the early days of Apple.

More from Andy and the team you can find at folklore.org

Steve Jobs

by Walter Isaacson, an in-depth biography of the Apple co-founder, revealing his complex personality and visionary approach. Drawing from interviews with Jobs and those close to him, Isaacson portrays a man of intense passion and formidable drive, who significantly impacted computing, animation, music, and digital publishing. The book traces Jobs' rise from an adopted child to a transformative industry leader, highlighting his innovative spirit and the sacrifices entailed in altering the tech world. It's a concise yet profound look at the man behind Apple's revolution.

“Steve has a reality distortion field.” When Hertzfeld looked puzzled, Tribble elaborated. “In his presence, reality is malleable. He can convince anyone of practically anything. It wears off when he’s not around, but it makes it hard to have realistic schedules.”― Walter Isaacson, Steve Jobs

Iconic: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation

by Jonathan Zufi is a visually stunning and comprehensive journey through the history of Apple's product design and innovation. The book, richly illustrated with over 1500 photographs, showcases Apple's technological evolution from its inception to the 21st century. Zufi, with a keen eye for detail and design, captures the essence of each Apple product, offering readers a nostalgic and enlightening exploration of the devices that have shaped modern computing and consumer electronics. From the early Apple I to the latest iPhones, the book not only highlights the products themselves but also the ingenious design philosophy of Apple, making it an essential read for both tech enthusiasts and design aficionados.

Apple Design

by Friedrich von Borries offers an in-depth exploration of the design philosophy and practices of Apple. The book delves into the aesthetics, functionality, and impact of Apple's product design, exemplifying how the company has consistently merged technology with simplicity and elegance. It examines the role of key figures like Steve Jobs and designer Jonathan Ive in shaping Apple's design ethos, which focuses on user-friendly interfaces and minimalist styling. Through a detailed analysis of various Apple products, from the early Macintosh computers to the iPhone, the book illustrates how Apple's commitment to design has not only set industry standards but also profoundly influenced consumer expectations and preferences in the tech world.

The Bite in the Apple: A Memoir of My Life with Steve Jobs

by Chrisann Brennan is a personal and intimate memoir that provides a unique perspective on the life of Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, through the eyes of Brennan, his early girlfriend and the mother of his first child, Lisa. The book delves into their complex relationship, starting from their days as young students in California, through the turbulent times as Jobs' career took off. Brennan offers an insightful look into Jobs' enigmatic personality, his intense ambition, and the challenges of their relationship, affected by his rising fame and the evolving tech industry.

The Steve Jobs Way: iLeadership for a New Generation

by Jay Elliot, a former senior vice president at Apple, offers an insightful exploration into Steve Jobs' unique leadership and management style that drove Apple's success. Drawing from his close working relationship with Jobs, Elliot provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Jobs' vision, passion, and innovation-oriented approach shaped the development of groundbreaking products like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The book reveals Jobs' ability to integrate creativity and technology, and emphasizes his relentless pursuit of excellence, attention to detail, and ability to inspire and challenge his team.

Apple Confidential 2.0: The Definitive History of the World's Most Colorful Company

by Owen W. Linzmayer is an extensive chronicle of Apple's history, detailing its rise from a small startup to a global technology leader. The book delves into the company's origins, the development of its first computers, the power struggles within its executive ranks, and Steve Jobs' eventual ousting and triumphant return. Linzmayer provides a thorough account of Apple's innovations, mistakes, and corporate culture, offering insights into key events and decisions that shaped the company. Packed with anecdotes, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories, it presents an unvarnished look at Apple's tumultuous journey, its impact on the tech industry, and the personalities, including Jobs and Wozniak, who were pivotal in its saga.

Design Like Apple

By John Edson

A deep dive into the design philosophy and strategies that have made Apple synonymous with innovation and aesthetic excellence. Edson, leveraging his experience in design and admiration for Apple's approach, illustrates how Apple's commitment to simplicity, attention to detail, and customer experience has set a new standard in design. The book explores key principles that drive Apple's design success, including the integration of design and engineering, the focus on intuitive user interfaces, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Through various case studies and analyses of Apple's product designs, Edson provides valuable insights and lessons for designers, business leaders, and anyone looking to incorporate Apple's design ethos into their own work. The book is a testament to the power of design in creating emotional connections with users and achieving business success.

iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon

By Steve Wozniak

"iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon" by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, is an autobiographical account that offers a personal insight into the life and mind of the man who engineered the first line of Apple computers. Wozniak shares his journey from a computer-obsessed child to an inventive engineer, detailing the creation of the Apple I and Apple II, which revolutionized personal computing. The book is filled with Wozniak's candid reflections on his partnership with Steve Jobs, his values and philosophy towards technology and innovation, and his experiences that shaped the development of groundbreaking technology. "iWoz" provides an engaging and often humorous narrative, showing a different perspective of the birth of Apple and its impact, told by one of its primary architects. It's a compelling read for those interested in the human story behind one of the world's most influential tech companies.

William Shatner and Steve Wozniak at Silicon Valley Comic Con 2017 (Photo: Teodor Bjerrang)

Wozniak has credited watching Star Trek and attending Star Trek conventions while in his youth as a source of inspiration for his starting Apple Computer.

“I hope you're as lucky as I am. The world needs inventors--great ones. You can be one. If you love what you do and are willing to do what it really takes, it's within your reach. And it'll be worth every minute you spend alone at night, thinking and thinking about what it is you want to design or build. It'll be worth it, I promise.”― Steve Wozniak, iWoz

“a lot of people confuse that story with Apple’s, saying that we started Apple in a garage. Not true. HP started in a garage, true. But in the case of Apple, I worked in my room at my apartment and Steve worked in his bedroom in his parents’ house. We only did the very last part of assembly in his garage”― Steve Wozniak, iWoz

Teodor Bjerrang and Steve Wozniak — 30. April 2017 at the Silicon Valley Comic Con in San Jose.

Finding the Next Steve Jobs

by Nolan Bushnell, co-founder of Atari and former employer of Steve Jobs, is a guide on nurturing creativity and innovation in the business world. Bushnell shares his insights on identifying and empowering unconventional talents like Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and thinking outside the box. Drawing from his experiences with Jobs and Atari, Bushnell outlines practical strategies for leaders and managers to inspire innovation in their teams. He advocates for embracing unique personalities and ideas, fostering a culture of curiosity and passion, and challenging the status quo.

Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple’s Success

by Ken Segall explores the principle of simplicity that is deeply ingrained in Apple’s corporate culture and its impact on the company's success. Drawing from his experience as a former ad agency creative director for Apple, Segall illustrates how simplicity influenced Apple’s approach to product design, marketing, and management under Steve Jobs’ leadership. The book provides insights into how this obsession with simplicity helped Apple create intuitive, user-friendly products and effective, memorable advertising. Segall uses real-world examples from his time working with Jobs to demonstrate how simplicity can be a powerful business and design strategy, leading to innovation, improved customer experiences, and organizational efficiency.

“I didn’t think of Steve in terms of being nice or mean, approving or disapproving. He was simply being straight with me. The relationship we would have over the years ahead would always remain that simple. Steve didn’t like Complexity in his working relationships any more than he liked extra buttons on his iPod.”― Ken Segall, Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple's Success

“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things we have done. Innovation is saying no to a thousand things.” Ken Segall, Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple's Success

Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products

by Leander Kahney is a detailed exploration of the life and work of Jony Ive, Apple's legendary chief design officer. The book delves into Ive's design philosophy, his collaborative relationship with Steve Jobs, and his instrumental role in developing iconic products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Kahney paints a portrait of Ive as not just a designer, but a visionary who transformed Apple with his deep commitment to simplicity, elegance, and functionality. The narrative reveals the challenges and triumphs of Ive’s career, offering insights into the design process at Apple and how Ive’s groundbreaking ideas redefined modern technology and design.

“The thing is, it’s very easy to be different, but very difficult to be better.” ― Leander Kahney, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products

“When you are a designer, you have to be able to convey your ideas to people who are not designers; perhaps they are financing you or going to do the production, and you have to be able to turn them on to the product and its feasibility. Jony was able to do that.” ― Leander Kahney, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products

Becoming Steve Jobs

by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli offers a nuanced and insightful look at the evolution of Steve Jobs, from an impulsive, young entrepreneur to a mature leader of Apple. Drawing on interviews and personal encounters over twenty-five years, the authors reveal a more complex figure than commonly portrayed. They focus on Jobs' growth and self-reflection, his failures at NeXT, his redemption at Pixar, and his triumphant return to Apple, where he led the creation of groundbreaking products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. The book challenges the conventional narrative of Jobs as a relentless perfectionist, instead presenting a story of a dynamic leader who learned from his mistakes and missteps, ultimately mastering the art of blending artistry, technology, and commerce. "Becoming Steve Jobs" provides a deeper understanding of Jobs' unique leadership style and his journey of personal and professional growth.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” ― Brent Schlender, Becoming Steve Jobs

“Having a grand, bold goal was useless if you didn’t have the ability to tell a compelling story about how you’d get there.” ― Brent Schlender, Becoming Steve Jobs

Inside Apple

by Adam Lashinsky is an insightful exploration of the secretive and innovative corporate culture of Apple Inc. The book unveils the unique business practices, leadership styles, and intense work environment that have driven Apple's success. Lashinsky draws from interviews and research to shed light on Apple's approach to product development, marketing, and the extraordinary leadership of Steve Jobs. It offers a critical look at how Apple's emphasis on secrecy and unorthodox strategies distinguishes it from competitors, and discusses the challenges in sustaining its innovative edge post-Jobs.

“The ‘Innovator’s Dilemma’ doesn’t exist at Apple,” he said, referring to Clay Christensen’s popular book about how big companies fail to anticipate the next wave because they are unwilling to sacrifice existing sales.” ― Adam Lashinsky, Inside Apple

“We will figure something out that seems relatively interesting and … spend some time in Northern Japan, talking to the master about how you can form metal in a certain way. As you truly understand that, that obviously informs your design, rather than it just being an arbitrary shape, that you annotate. The product architecture starts to become informed by your really understanding that material. That’s an example of one of the reasons we don’t do lots and lots of stuff, because that’s time consuming and demanding.” ― Adam Lashinsky, Inside Apple

The Second Coming of Steve Jobs

by Alan Deutschman is a concise biography that captures Steve Jobs' remarkable comeback after leaving Apple. The book traces Jobs' ventures with NeXT and Pixar, illustrating how these experiences honed his leadership and vision. It then focuses on his successful return to Apple, leading to the creation of transformative products like the iMac and iPod. Deutschman provides insight into Jobs' unique management style and his fusion of technology and artistry. This biography offers a focused look at a crucial period in Jobs' career, showcasing his personal and professional evolution as one of tech's most iconic figures.

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different

by Karen Blumenthal is a biography that offers an accessible and engaging overview of Steve Jobs' life and career. Targeted towards a younger audience, it chronicles Jobs' journey from an inquisitive child to the co-founder of Apple Inc., highlighting his innovative spirit and impact on technology. The book delves into his personal and professional challenges, including his ousting from Apple, his years at NeXT and Pixar, and his return to Apple, where he revolutionized several industries with products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Blumenthal paints a comprehensive picture of Jobs, emphasizing his unique approach to business, his commitment to quality design, and his ability to foresee and shape future trends.

CLOG: Apple

"CLOG: Apple" is a unique publication that critically examines the influence and impact of Apple Inc. on architecture, design, and culture. This collection of essays, critiques, and graphical representations brings together diverse perspectives from architects, designers, and thinkers, each exploring how Apple's design philosophy, technological innovation, and branding strategies have transcended the tech industry to influence broader cultural and architectural practices. The book delves into topics like the architectural design of Apple stores, the aesthetic and functional aspects of Apple products, and the company's role in shaping modern consumer culture.

Fortune: The Legacy of Steve Jobs 1955-2011

by Fortune Magazine, is a tribute to Steve Jobs, capturing his extraordinary life and the monumental impact he had on the world of technology and beyond. This collection features articles and exclusive interviews from Fortune's archives, offering insights into Jobs' innovative vision, his leadership style at Apple, and his role in revolutionizing industries with products like the iPhone and iPad. The book delves into Jobs' unique approach to business, design, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. It also reflects on his legacy, not just as a technological visionary but as a transformative cultural icon. This compilation provides a comprehensive look at the life and achievements of one of the most influential figures of the modern era.

Break Out: How the Apple II Launched the PC Gaming Revolution

by David L. Craddock is a detailed chronicle of the early days of computer gaming, centered around the influential role of the Apple II. The book explores how this groundbreaking computer became a catalyst for the burgeoning video game industry in the late 1970s and 1980s. Craddock delves into the stories of pioneering game developers and the creation of iconic games that defined a generation, illustrating how the Apple II's technical capabilities and open architecture fostered a new era of creativity and innovation in gaming. Through interviews and research, "Break Out" offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of technology and entertainment, highlighting the Apple II's legacy in shaping the landscape of modern video gaming.

iCon Steve Jobs: The Greatest Second Act in the History of Business

by Jeffrey S. Young and William L. Simon is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and career of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. The book explores Jobs' initial rise to fame with Apple, his subsequent fall and ousting from the company, followed by his triumphant return that led to Apple's resurgence in the tech industry. It offers insights into Jobs' unique leadership style, his visionary approach to technology and design, and the personal and professional challenges he faced. The authors portray Jobs not just as a business icon but as a complex individual, balancing brilliance and flaws, and driving innovation and transformation in the tech world. This biography provides a nuanced look at Jobs' journey, emphasizing his impact on reshaping modern technology and consumer culture.

Icons: Selected Work from 1983 - 2011

by Susan Kare is a visual celebration of her influential work in graphic design, particularly her iconic creations for Apple Inc.'s early computer interfaces. The book showcases a collection of Kare's most famous pixel art designs, including the original Macintosh icons that revolutionized graphical user interfaces. It highlights her talent for crafting simple, yet expressive images within the constraints of early computing. Kare's work played a critical role in making computers more approachable and user-friendly.

From the digital book Make Something Wonderful, Steve Jobs in his own words

Make Something Wonderful, Steve Jobs in his own words

There’s lots of ways to be, as a person. And some people express their deep appreciation in different ways. But one of the ways that I believe people express their appreciation to the rest of humanity is to make something wonderful and put it out there.

And you never meet the people. You never shake their hands. You never hear their story or tell yours. But somehow, in the act of making something with a great deal of care and love, something’s transmitted there. And it’s a way of expressing to the rest of our species our deep appreciation. So we need to be true to who we are and remember what’s really important to us.

—Steve, 2007

This is the start of the book Make Something Wonderful, Steve Jobs in his own words a curated collection of Steve’s speeches, interviews, and correspondence

You can read it online here

Teodor Bjerrang
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