The Code

More about the book

This epic narrative chronicles how a small area in Northern California reshaped America through high tech, revealing both positive and negative impacts. Margaret O'Mara, a prominent historian of the digital revolution, draws from her experience in the Clinton administration to illuminate the deep ties between Silicon Valley and the federal government, challenging common perceptions of the Valley's success. After nearly five years of research, O'Mara presents a comprehensive history of Silicon Valley, highlighting the interplay between mavericks, visionaries, and powerful institutions like the Pentagon and Stanford University that fostered innovation. The story reflects a community that began as homogeneous and tightly-knit, whose self-belief has evolved into a collective hubris, leading to remarkable achievements and significant repercussions. Featuring a diverse cast of characters across four generations, from the 1940s to today, O'Mara captures the evolution of key tech companies and their political dynamics within the broader cultural narrative. She also delves into the insular world of venture capital, which has become central to American capitalism and technological advancement. O'Mara's masterful account illustrates how the transformation of big tech has become a pivotal element of the American economy, shaping our collective hopes, dreams, and fears.