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The only contemporary history of the birth of Silicon Valley―from the reporter who had a ringside seat to it all Over the past five decades, the tech industry has grown into one of the most important sectors of the global economy, and Silicon Valley--replete with sprawling office parks, sky-high rents, and countless self-made millionaires--is home to many of its key players. But the origins of Silicon Valley and the tech sector are much humbler. At a time when tech companies' influence continues to grow, The Big Score chronicles how they began. One of the first reporters on the tech industry beat at the San Jose Mercury-News, Michael S. Malone recounts the feverish efforts of young technologists and entrepreneurs to build something that would change the world--and score them a big payday. Starting with the birth of Hewlett-Packard in the 1930s, Malone illustrates how decades of technological innovation laid the foundation for the meteoric rise of the Valley in the 1970s. Drawing on exclusive, unvarnished interviews, Malone punctuates this history with incisive profiles of tech’s early luminaries--including Nobelist William Shockley and Apple's Steve Jobs--when they were struggling entrepreneurs working 18-hour days in their garages. And he plunges us into the darker side of the Valley, where espionage, drugs, hellish working conditions, and shocking betrayals shaped the paths for winners and losers in a booming industry.A decades-long story with individual sacrifice, ingenuity, and big money at its core, The Big Score recounts the history of today's most dynamic sector through its upstart beginnings.

Journey into the heart of Silicon Valley's meteoric rise in Michael S. Malone's captivating narrative, "The Big Score: The Billion-Dollar Story of Silicon Valley." This acclaimed book delves into the origins and evolution of the world's most influential technology hub, where innovation, ambition, and wealth converge.

Malone masterfully weaves together the stories of Silicon Valley's pioneers, from the visionary engineers to the shrewd investors who fueled the region's transformation. He brings to life the personalities, rivalries, and triumphs that shaped the industry, painting a vivid picture of the technological revolution that unfolded in the heart of California.

"The Big Score" offers a comprehensive examination of Silicon Valley's defining moments, from the birth of the personal computer to the rise of the internet, the dot-com boom and bust, and the emergence of social media giants. Malone provides insightful analysis of the key technological advancements, business strategies, and cultural shifts that have driven Silicon Valley's unparalleled success.

With meticulous research, Malone uncovers the hidden stories behind some of the most iconic companies in the world, including Apple, Google, Intel, and Microsoft. He delves into the fierce competition, the financial risks, and the unwavering determination that propelled these companies to the forefront of the global economy.

"The Big Score" is not just a chronicle of Silicon Valley's triumphs; it also confronts the challenges and controversies that have accompanied its rise. Malone examines the issues of wealth inequality, environmental impact, and the ethical implications of technological progress, offering thought-provoking insights into the complex relationship between innovation and society.

Michael S. Malone's "The Big Score" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of technology, business, and the forces that have shaped the modern world. It is a captivating narrative that offers a deep understanding of Silicon Valley's past, present, and potential impact on our future.