
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casting-Net-ARPANET-INTERNET-System...
I have both books (each now over 20 years old), but I think "Casting the Net" is a slightly more rigorous and somewhat less "journalisty" history with a better collection of diagrams and scribbles by the key figures involved.
Edit: the intention of my comment is to prevent another user like myself from being disappointed if they have better things to read. Reading is a time-consuming process, I'm rather annoyed when I bother to read a book that leaves me feeling like I've wasted a significant amount of time with little to show for it.
Based on another comment here, I'd recommend giving Casting the Net a read instead.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0201876744
Again, and already mentioned, "The Soul of a New Machine" by Tracy Kidder is a great read. It's a particular favourite what with being an ex-Data General field engineer (maintained and fixed Nova 3/4 and Eclipse S/130/140's and associated peripherals).
I can also recommend "In Search of Stupidity:Over 20 Years of High-Tech Marketing Disasters" which about how the old giants of the early PC software industry (Ashton Tate, MicroPro et al) made colossal mistakes resulting in their extinction.
Which books have you enjoyed? Which ones are worth avoiding?
I've included a list of some of the ones that I've found, but I'd love any thoughts.
Revolution in The Valley: The Insanely Great Story of How the Mac Was Made
Accidental Empires: How the Boys of Silicon Valley Make Their Millions, Battle Foreign Competition, and Still Can't Get a Date
Making Silicon Valley: Innovation and the Growth of High Tech, 1930-1970
High Stakes, No Prisoners: A Winner's Tale of Greed and Glory in the Internet Wars
Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days Computing in the Middle Ages: A View From the Trenches 1955-1983
iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It
Digital Retro: The Evolution and Design of the Personal Computer
The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's On-line Pioneers
Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet
What the Dormouse Said: How the Sixties Counterculture Shaped the Personal Computer Industry
The Dream Machine: J.C.R. Licklider and the Revolution That Made Computing Personal
DEC Is Dead, Long Live DEC: The Lasting Legacy of Digital Equipment Corporation
Priming the Pump: How TRS-80 Enthusiasts Helped Spark the PC Revolution
Casting the Net: From ARPANET to INTERNET and Beyond
Fools Rush In: Steve Case, Jerry Levin, and the Unmaking of AOL Time Warner
The HP Way: How Bill Hewlett and I Built Our Company
Fire in the Valley: The Making of The Personal Computer
Bell Labs: Life in the Crown Jewel