CHM Live | Read Me: The Books that Inspired the Computing Revolution

The video provides a rich, expert perspective on the history of computing through the lens of books. W. Patrick McCray, a professor of history at UCSB, brings substantial scholarly authority, having written extensively on science and technology communities. His arguments are well-supported by archival research, as evidenced by his references to specific collections (e.g., Alvin Toffler’s papers at Columbia University) and concrete examples like royalty statements. The discussion is structured around the functions of books—popularizing, predictive, pedagogical—which offers a clear framework for understanding their impact. The moderator, David C. Brock, is also a historian of technology, ensuring a high level of expertise in the conversation. The sources cited are primarily the books themselves and archival materials, which are appropriate for a historical discussion. The adéquation between title and content is strong: the title accurately reflects the focus on books that inspired the computing revolution. The video does not include any advertising sequences. The main limitation is that it is an author interview rather than a systematic review, so it may not cover all relevant books or perspectives. However, for its purpose—to present the author’s research and insights—it is highly effective. The audience engagement through polls adds an interactive element, though the results are not analyzed in detail. Overall, the video is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the cultural history of computing.

The title accurately reflects the content: a discussion about books that influenced computing history.

8/10

The video features a recognized historian (W. Patrick McCray) discussing his book, with archival research and specific examples. The discussion is well-structured and grounded in historical sources, though it is primarily an author interview rather than a peer-reviewed presentation.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction by Mark Etkind, CEO of CHM, and welcome to the event.
• 05:00David Brock introduces Patrick McCray and his background.
• 10:00McCray gives an elevator pitch for 'Read Me' and explains the book's scope.
• 15:00Discussion of books that popularized computing, including Edmund Berkeley's 'Giant Brains'.
• 20:00McCray discusses the predictive function of books like Norbert Wiener's cybernetics trilogy.
• 25:00Exploration of pedagogical books, such as Mead and Conway's 'Introduction to VLSI Systems'.
• 30:00Discussion of bestsellers like Alvin Toffler's 'Future Shock' and the Whole Internet Catalog.
• 35:00McCray reflects on the changing roles of authors, publishers, and bookstores over time.
• 40:00Audience poll on favorite books about computing.
• 45:00Further discussion on the continuity and change in the importance of books.

• Read Me: A Bookish History of Computing from Giant Brains to Everything Machines — The book being discussed, by W. Patrick McCray.
• Giant Brains, or Machines That Think — Book by Edmund Berkeley, discussed as a popularizing work.
• Cybernetics: Or Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine — Book by Norbert Wiener, discussed as a predictive work.
• Introduction to VLSI Systems — Book by Carver Mead and Lynn Conway, discussed as a pedagogical work.
• Future Shock — Book by Alvin Toffler, mentioned as a bestseller.
• The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog — Book by Ed Krol, mentioned as a bestseller.

• Computer History Museum — The museum hosting the event, known for its historical archives and exhibitions.
• MIT Press — Publisher of 'Read Me', a reputable academic press.