The Search

by John Battelle
The Search cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technology and Innovation
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Format • £9.49
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Technical
  • ID: 2704
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781591841418
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2006-10-03
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

John Battelle's 'The Search' delves into the profound impact of Google's search technology on various aspects of human life. Beyond the success story of Google, the book explores how search technology influences marketing, media, pop culture, and even personal relationships. It's a big-picture look at the past, present, and future of search and its far-reaching implications. /n/n The book also touches on the legal and ethical dimensions of search technology, including its effects on international law and civil liberties. Battelle provides an insightful analysis of how understanding what the world wants can unlock the secrets of business and human behavior, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and society.

Reviews
Financial Times · 2025-10-16
insightful 4.50

This book goes beyond being just a business book; it explores how the search industry is transforming our lives in unexpected ways. It provides a comprehensive look at the cultural impact of search technology.

The Financial Times review highlights that this book is much more than a typical business book. It delves into the profound and unpredictable ways the search industry is changing how we live. The reviewer appreciates the book's broad perspective, noting that it tackles one of the most significant technological shifts of our time. They emphasize that while it might be marketed as a business or tech book, its insights are relevant to a wider audience interested in the cultural and social implications of search technology.

Quick quotes

    Much more than just a business book, this explains how the search industry is changing the way we live in profound and unpredictable ways.

    The Search contains insights that are relevant to a wider audience interested in the cultural and social implications of search technology.

    It's actually tackling one of the most significant technological shifts of our time.

Spike Magazine · 2005-08-01
compelling 4.50

The book is not just a business or tech book; it addresses one of the most significant technological shifts of our time. It is praised for its broad perspective and relevance to a wider audience.

Spike Magazine's review emphasizes that 'The Search' is not just a business or tech book, although it will be marketed as such. The reviewer appreciates the book's broad perspective and its relevance to a wider audience. They note that the book tackles one of the most significant technological shifts of our time, making it a compelling read. The informal and accessible writing style is highlighted, making complex topics more understandable for a general audience.

Quick quotes

    The Search, then, isn't simply a business book or a geek book, although it will be marketed as such: it's actually tackling one of the most significant technological shifts of our time.

    It's actually tackling one of the most significant technological shifts of our time.

    The Search isn't simply a business book or a geek book.

Goodreads · 2005-01-01
detailed 4.00

The book aims to understand the cultural anthropology of search and analyzes its impact on our culture. It is praised for its detailed coverage and insightful analysis.

The Goodreads review notes that the author, John Battelle, sets out to understand what he calls the cultural anthropology of search. The reviewer appreciates the book's detailed coverage and insightful analysis of how search technology is reshaping our culture. They highlight that the book provides a deep dive into the subject, making it a valuable read for those interested in the cultural impact of technology. The informal and accessible writing style is also noted, making complex topics more approachable.

Quick quotes

    At the book's outset, Battelle specifically indicates his desire to understand what he calls the cultural anthropology of search, and to analyze its impact on our culture.

    Battelle writes in an informal and accessible manner although the subject matter does not make this a light read.

    He reveals how search technology works, providing a deep dive into the subject.

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