What The Dormouse Said: Unveiling the Secrets of the Counterculture Movement

When Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" was published in 1865, little did he know that a seemingly insignificant character would later inspire a book about a remarkable cultural phenomenon of the 1960s. "What The Dormouse Said" by John Markoff is more than just a collection of anecdotes and interviews; it is a fascinating journey back to the roots of the counterculture movement that changed the world.

Unveiling the Untold Stories

The subtitle of Markoff's book reveals its true essence: "How the 60s Counterculture Shaped the Personal Computer Industry." This meticulously researched work explores the interconnectedness of the counterculture movement and the birth of the personal computer revolution, a connection that is often overlooked or downplayed in traditional historical narratives.

What the Dormouse Said: How the Sixties Counterculture Shaped the Personal Computer Industry

by John Markoff (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	610 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	333 pages

FREE

Markoff delves into the lives and experiences of the key figures who played pivotal roles in both the counterculture movement and the development of computer technology. From Doug Engelbart, the visionary behind the computer mouse, to Stewart Brand, the founder of Whole Earth Catalog, these personalities come to life through detailed interviews and captivating anecdotes.

But "What The Dormouse Said" is not solely focused on the development of technology; it delves into the social and cultural implications of the counterculture movement as well. The book provides a deep exploration of the profound influence of the counterculture on civil rights, feminism, environmentalism, and many other social justice movements that continue to shape society today.

A Journey Through Time and Space

Transporting readers back to the vibrant 1960s, Markoff paints a vivid picture of the era's cafes, communes, and experimental spaces where ideas were flourishing. Through meticulous storytelling, he captures the essence of the counterculture movement and its revolutionary spirit, creating an immersive experience that allows readers to understand and appreciate the context in which significant technological advancements were made.

The book weaves together personal narratives, social histories, and technological breakthroughs, providing an all-encompassing view of the counterculture movement's impact on society. From the psychedelic influences in early computing interfaces to the collaborations between radicals and scientists, Markoff uncovers the surprising connections that shaped the world we live in today.

The Dormouse: A Symbol of Transformation

The dormouse, as depicted in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," is a peculiar character known for its deep slumber and its ability to deliver cryptic messages. In Markoff's book, the dormouse serves as the perfect metaphor for the untold stories and hidden connections that lie beneath the surface of history.

By shining a light on the often overlooked counterculture movement's influence on the personal computer industry, "What The Dormouse Said" challenges traditional narratives of technology development and presents a more comprehensive view of history. It reveals how the ideas and values of a generation fueled the innovations that continue to shape our lives today.

"What The Dormouse Said" is a captivating exploration of the counterculture movement and its impact on the personal computer industry. John Markoff's meticulous research, combined with his engaging storytelling, creates a compelling narrative that breathes life into the lesser-known connections between technology and social change.

This book takes readers on a journey through time and space, immersing them in the vibrant 1960s counterculture scene and shedding light on its lasting influence. By uncovering the hidden stories and individuals behind significant technological advancements, Markoff challenges our understanding of history and invites us to reconsider the power of cultural movements in shaping our world.

So, grab a copy of "What The Dormouse Said," and prepare to embark on an eye-opening adventure into the intertwined worlds of counterculture and technology.

What the Dormouse Said: How the Sixties Counterculture Shaped the Personal Computer Industry

by John Markoff (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	610 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	333 pages

FREE

“This makes entertaining reading. Many accounts of the birth of personal computing have been written, but this is the first close look at the drug habits of the earliest pioneers.” —New York Times

Most histories of the personal computer industry focus on technology or business. John Markoff’s landmark book is about the culture and consciousness behind the first PCs—the culture being counter– and the consciousness expanded, sometimes chemically. It’s a brilliant evocation of Stanford, California, in the 1960s and ’70s, where a group of visionaries set out to turn computers into a means for freeing minds and information. In these pages one encounters Ken Kesey and the phone hacker Cap’n Crunch, est and LSD, The Whole Earth Catalog and the Homebrew Computer Lab. What the Dormouse Said is a poignant, funny, and inspiring book by one of the smartest technology writers around.