Title
The Mysterious Affair at Olivetti: IBM, the CIA, and the Cold War Conspiracy to Shut Down Production of the World s First Deskto
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The neverbeforetold true account of the design and development of the first desktop computer by the world s most famous highstyled typewriter company, more than a decade before the arrival of the Osborne 1, the Apple 1, the first Intel microprocessor, and IBM s PC5150.The human, business, design, engineering, cold war, and tech story of how the Olivetti company came to be, how it survived two world wars and brought a ravaged Italy back to life, how after it mastered the typewriter business with the famous Olivetti touch, it entered the new, fierce electronics race; how its first desktop compter, the P101, came to be; how, within eighteen months, it had caught up with, and surpassed, IBM, the American giant that by then had become an arm of the American government, developing advanced weapon systems; Olivetti putting its own mainframe computer on the market with its desktop prototype, selling 40,000 units, including to NASA for its lunar landings. How Olivetti made inroads into the US market by taking control of Underwood of Hartford CT as an assembly plant for Olivetti s own typewriters and future miniaturized personal computers; how a week after Olivetti purchased Underwood, the US government filed an antitrust suit to try to stop it; how Adriano Olivetti, the legendary idealist, socialist, visionary, heir to the company founded by his father, built the company into a fantastical dynastyfactories, offices, satellite buildings spread over more than fifty acreswhile on a train headed for Switzerland in 1960 for supposed meetings and then to Hartford, never arrived, dying suddenly of a heart attack at fiftyeight . . . how eighteen months later, his brilliant young engineer, who had assembled Olivetti s superb team of electronic engineers, was killed, as well, in a suspicious car crash, and how the Olivetti company and the P101 came to its insidious and shocking end.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has three hundred twenty pages. It provides an in-depth look at the history of the first desktop computer.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is hardcover. The durable binding is ideal for long-term reading and preservation.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures six and a half inches by nine and a half inches and one inch thick. This size makes it easy to handle and read.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Meryle Secrest. She is known for her detailed biographies and historical accounts.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book falls under the genre of biography and historical non-fiction. It explores significant events in technology and business.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: This book is primarily intended for adult audiences. Its complex themes may not be suitable for younger readers.
- Q: What themes are covered in this book? A: This book covers themes of innovation, corporate history, and Cold War politics. It details the rise of Olivetti in the tech industry.
- Q: How can I read this book? A: You can read this book by purchasing it online or at a bookstore. It's designed for readers interested in technology and history.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is a standalone title. It does not belong to a series.
- Q: How should I take care of this hardcover book? A: To care for this hardcover book, store it upright on a shelf. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can this book be returned if damaged? A: Yes, this book can be returned if it arrives damaged. Check the retailer's return policy for specific guidelines.
- Q: What if I don't like the book after buying it? A: You can return the book if you are not satisfied. Most retailers offer a money-back guarantee within a certain period.
- Q: Is this book available in digital format? A: Yes, this book is available in digital format. It can be found on various e-book platforms.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations or photographs? A: No, this book does not include illustrations or photographs. It focuses on textual information and historical accounts.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The publication date of this book is not specified. Check the publisher's information for the exact release date.