How the Internet Happened

by Brian McCullough
How the Internet Happened cover
Good Books rating 4.23
History
Technical
  • ID: 913
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9781631493089
  • Publisher: Liveright Publishing
  • Published: 2018-10-23
  • Reviews: 3

How the Internet Happened: From Netscape to the iPhone by Brian McCullough is a captivating journey through the internet's revolutionary history. Beginning in a modest Illinois basement in 1993, the book chronicles the birth of the first dotcom and the subsequent tech boom that transformed global communication. McCullough delves into the lives of key innovators like Marc Andreessen and Mark Zuckerberg, revealing lesser-known anecdotes and the cultural shifts that accompanied the internet's ascent. This comprehensive narrative not only tracks the technological advancements but also explores the societal impact of the internet, offering a fresh perspective on an era that redefined modern life. With cinematic detail and unprecedented scope, the book provides a vivid account of the disruption and innovation that the internet fostered, making it a must-read for anyone interested in technology and its profound influence on our world.

Reviews
cjshaver.com · 2020-11-15
entertaining 4.50

The book is both informative and entertaining, offering a comprehensive history of the consumer internet revolution. It highlights the key events, people, and companies that drove this transformation.

This reviewer finds the book to be an excellent blend of information and entertainment, making it an enjoyable read. They appreciate the detailed account of the consumer internet revolution, which includes the key events, people, and companies that played pivotal roles. The narrative is engaging and well-researched, providing a clear picture of how the internet evolved and its profound impact on society. The reviewer particularly enjoys the lively storytelling, which makes complex topics accessible and interesting.

Quick quotes

    An informative, entertaining history of the key events, people, and companies that made the consumer Internet revolution happen.

    The book is a rollicking history of the internet, why it exploded, and how it changed everything.

    It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the internet and its transformative power.

mgerardmingo.com · 2019-07-05
insightful 4.00

The book provides a historical perspective on the internet's evolution, highlighting the era's significance with the benefit of hindsight. It offers a detailed depiction of key events and figures that shaped the internet as we know it today.

This review emphasizes the book's ability to capture the essence of a transformative era in internet history. The reviewer appreciates the insightful commentary on how the internet evolved and its impact on society. They highlight the benefit of hindsight, which allows for a comprehensive understanding of the key events and figures that drove this technological revolution. The book is praised for its engaging narrative and thorough research, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in the internet's development.

Quick quotes

    It's a depiction of an era of the Internet which has come and gone, yes, but one that has the benefit of hindsight.

    McCullough knows, for sure, how the Internet happened and why it changed everything.

    This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the internet's transformative impact.

summation.net · 2019-01-16
comprehensive 4.20

The book effectively chronicles major internet events over a 13-year period, offering a unique perspective on the internet's development. It is praised for its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis.

This review highlights the book's thorough chronicling of major internet events from 1994 to 2007. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to provide a comprehensive overview of the internet's development during this critical period. They note that while it is a book about the internet, it also offers a broader perspective on societal changes driven by technology. The reviewer finds the analysis insightful and the narrative engaging, making it a valuable resource for understanding the internet's evolution.

Quick quotes

    This book does a good job chronicling the major Internet events over 13 years (1994-2007).

    While it is a book about the Internet, it is also a story about how technology changes society.

    The book provides a unique perspective on the internet's development and its impact on our lives.

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