This book presents the life and times of Robert Noyce, the driving force behind the high-tech revolution. Noyce was the co-founder of Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel and co-invented the integrated circuit. This book paints a portrait of an ambitious and competitive man, a Midwestern preacher's son who rejected organized religion but would counsel his employees to “go off and do something wonderful”. The book's narrative sheds light on Noyce's friends and associates, including some of the best-known managers, venture capitalists, and creative minds in Silicon Valley. It draws upon interviews ... More

This book presents the life and times of Robert Noyce, the driving force behind the high-tech revolution. Noyce was the co-founder of Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel and co-invented the integrated circuit. This book paints a portrait of an ambitious and competitive man, a Midwestern preacher's son who rejected organized religion but would counsel his employees to “go off and do something wonderful”. The book's narrative sheds light on Noyce's friends and associates, including some of the best-known managers, venture capitalists, and creative minds in Silicon Valley. It draws upon interviews with key players in modern American business including Andy Grove, Steve Jobs, Gordon Moore, and Warren Buffett; their recollections of Noyce give readers an insight into the world of high-tech entrepreneurship. The book discusses the interplay of technology, business, money, politics, and culture that defines Silicon Valley and also relates the important story of a revolutionary inventor and entrepreneur.