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Reading: The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived

dave zohrob

• 2 min read

IBM’s contributions to the history of computing are currently underrated, probably because their recent performance has been so bad. But this fascinating book covers so much that’s worth understanding and celebrating.

Two pieces of wooden cabinetry with a device to punch cards, many dials, and a sorter
Hollerith tabulating machine

First, Thomas Watson Sr.’s mastery of the tabulating market of the early 20th century, including the acquisition of the tech for Hollerith mechanical punch card tabulating machines, which were in use through the mid-20th century. (Side note: The authors make a very detailed case for why, contrary to some popular rumor, IBM machines were not used by the Nazis to run concentration camps.)

Second, the book paints a sympathetic portrait of Watson Sr.'s children, Thomas Watson Jr. and Dick Watson—excellent in its details. One of the authors is a grandchild of Watson Jr., which probably helped with access.

Watson Jr. eventually took over the company and was responsible for major advancements in computing, including:

  • The move from electromechanical punch-card machines to fully electronic computers in the 1940s
  • Major focus on design, including a partnership with Charles and Ray Eames, and impressive 1960s industrial design inspired by companies like Olivetti:
A beige Selectric typewriter with blue keys on an orange backdrop
IBM Selectric typewriter
  • Building many architecturally significant company offices, including this Saarinen in Westchester County, NY:
An abstract scupture sits atop the end of a long stone wall in front of the Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York, 1961
 Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY

So much of computing can be traced to IBM in this period, including System/360, the project that inspired Fred Brooks' Mythical Man Month.

Highly recommended read! And if anyone has other great books on computing history, I'd appreciate any recommendations.

Amazon.com: The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived: Tom Watson Jr. and the Epic Story of How IBM Created the Digital Age eBook : McElvenny, Ralph Watson, Wortman, Marc: Kindle Store
The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived: Tom Watson Jr. and the Epic Story of How IBM Created the Digital Age - Kindle edition by McElvenny, Ralph Watson, Wortman, Marc. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived: Tom Watson Jr. and the Epic Story of How IBM Created the Digital Age.
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