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Steve Jobs


Synopsis


'This is a riveting book, with as much to say about the transformation of modern life in the information age as about its supernaturally gifted and driven subject' - Telegraph

Based on more than forty interviews with Steve Jobs conducted over two years - as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues - this is the acclaimed, internationally bestselling biography of the ultimate icon of inventiveness.

Walter Isaacson tells the story of the rollercoaster life and searingly intense personality of creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies,music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.

Although Jobs cooperated with this book, he asked for no control over what was written, nor even the right to read it before it was published. He put nothing off limits. He encouraged the people he knew to speak honestly. And Jobs speaks candidly, sometimes brutally so, about the people he worked with and competed against. His friends, foes, and colleagues provide an unvarnished view of the passions, perfectionism, obsessions, artistry, devilry, and compulsion for control that shaped his approach to business and the innovative products that resulted.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Early Years

* Summary: Explores Jobs' childhood, his interest in electronics, and his early experiments with computers.
* Real example: At age 12, Jobs built an elaborate frequency counter using parts from the Hewlett-Packard company.

Chapter 2: Apple's Genesis

* Summary: Discusses the founding of Apple Computer by Jobs and Steve Wozniak, and the development of the Apple I and Apple II.
* Real example: The Apple I was sold for $666.66, chosen by Jobs to be "one third cute" and "one third evil."

Chapter 3: The Macintosh Revolution

* Summary: Examines the concept, development, and launch of the Macintosh computer, which introduced the graphical user interface.
* Real example: The Macintosh's iconic "happy face" icon was designed by Susan Kare and inspired by the Volkswagen Beetle.

Chapter 4: Power Struggles and Exile

* Summary: Details the rise of conflict within Apple, Jobs' ouster from the company, and his subsequent founding of NeXT.
* Real example: Jobs clashed with Apple's CEO, John Sculley, over the Macintosh's strategy and future.

Chapter 5: Pixar's Animation Studio

* Summary: Explores Jobs' involvement in the development and success of Pixar Animation Studios, which produced groundbreaking films like "Toy Story."
* Real example: Pixar's "Luxo Jr." short film, featuring a bouncing desk lamp, won an Academy Award in 1986.

Chapter 6: Return to Apple

* Summary: Discusses Jobs' return to Apple in 1997, the company's resurgence under his leadership, and the introduction of the iMac and iPod.
* Real example: The original iMac was designed with a translucent plastic case, exposing its internal components.

Chapter 7: The iPhone and iPad

* Summary: Examines the development and impact of the iPhone and iPad, two groundbreaking products that revolutionized mobile technology.
* Real example: The iPhone's multi-touch interface paved the way for new ways of interacting with devices.

Chapter 8: Legacy and Impact

* Summary: Explores Jobs' lasting influence on the technology industry, his legacy as an innovator, and his impact on popular culture.
* Real example: The iPod and iPhone became symbols of coolness and style, shaping consumer trends and aspirations.