Apple has a rich, long, and unique history, so plenty of books have been written about the company and the people behind it. And it just so happens we’re in the middle of summer here in the northern hemisphere, so there’s no better time to do some reading while you’re on vacation, lounging by the pool, relaxing at the beach, or even just curled up in bed.
It’s also Amazon Prime Day. While you can find deals on Apple gear, you can also get really good prices on books, too. If you’re interested in catching up on your reading, here are my favorite books about Apple that you can pick up at Amazon right now. (Note: all of these books are available on Kindle as well, but only the physical books are discounted.)
Steve Jobs by Water Isaacson
Simon & Schuster/Albert Watson
Considered the definitive book about the legendary Apple co-founder, this book is based on several interviews between Apple’s founder and author Walter Isaacson before Jobs’ death. The book provides a revealing look at Jobs, who, at the time of the writing, was dealing with cancer. The book was published not long after Jobs’ death in 2011, a timing that emphasized Jobs’ impact on technology, business, pop culture, and the world. But there’s still immense value in reading it now.
Isaacson has written several authorized biographies, and it’s not difficult to find critics online who think he’s basically a glorified PR writer. Maybe so, but Steve Jobs is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves a true Apple fan.
On Amazon, the hardcover of Steve Jobs is only $17.50 ; it has a regular price of $38, so you can save a lot of money. The paperback is $11.66 (MSRP $23), and the audiobook is $26.24 (MSRP $30).
Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs
Grove Press
Right off the bat, I’ll admit, this book may not be for you if your primary interest is Apple history, technology, business, etc. This book is for anyone who is looking for a more rounded image of Steve Jobs. Originally published in 2018, I read this book after reading Steve Jobs a second time, and after reading the two books, I felt like my perspective on Jobs had better balance.
Small Fry is by Jobs’ first daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, and the relationship she had with her father. If you hold Steve Jobs in very high esteem, this book will knock that image down a bit. It’s very personal and poignant, and has a lot to say about parenthood and relationships.
On Amazon U.S., the hardcover of Small Fry is $22.54 (MSRP $26). You’ll save more with the paperback, which is $11.90 (MSRP $19). The audiobook is $18.66 (MSRP $21.32).
Revolution in the Valley by Andy Hertzfeld
O’Reilly Media
The reason why I love Revolution in the Valley so much is that it’s a time capsule. Just looking at the cover, you’re instantly thrown back into the early 1980s and the start of Apple and the PC revolution. It’s filled with wonderful images of people, products, and screenshots as you read about the birth of the Mac. It’s a ton of fun.
Author Andy Hertzfeld was a key member of the original Macintosh team, so the book provides first-person insights that Mac aficionados will cherish.
Unfortunately, the book is out of print, so printed copies are pricey. On Amazon, a new hardcover version is over $100, but you can get a used copy for $39. As for the paperback version, only used copies are available for about $27. No audiobook is available, but there is a Kindle version.
Other books to check out
Here are a few other books you might want to read. One I’ve read, while others are new releases that I haven’t had a chance to pick up, but plan to.
Source Code by BIll Gates
Vintage
What the…? What is a book about Bill Gates doing on Macworld?! Well, besides being Steve Jobs’ and Apple’s biggest adversary, Gates is also one of the titans of technology. He’s a major part of Apple’s history, which, as a reader of this site, you’re already familiar with. But you might not be familiar with his upbringing and his life before Microsoft.
Source Code reveals all of that, and after reading it, it provided me with a more vivid image of how different Gates and Steve Jobs were. It’s a quick read, and it’s fun to relive some of the hijinks of Gates and his friends who eventually became his business partners.
On Amazon U.S., the hardcover of Source Code is $11.74, which is much more than half off the MSRP of $30. The paperback is $12.80 (MSRP $20), and the audiobook is $17.72 (MSRP $20.25).
Apple: The First 50 Years by David Pogue
Simon & Schuster
Many books have been written about Apple’s history, but Apple: The First 50 Years by David Pogue is touted as the definitive book. Pogue, who’s long written about technology (and was once a Macworld columnist, back in the print-only days). certainly has the qualifications to put together such a book. It contains 150 interviews with key Apple players, such as Steve Wozniak, John Scully, and Jony Ive.
I haven’t gotten around to reading it, and Jan Gruber at our sister site in Germany, Macwelt, takes issue with the book, but if you’re looking for your own way to commemorate Apple’s 50th anniversary this year, Pogue’s book is a way to do it.
On Amazon U.S., the hardcover version is $26.50, which is almost half off the $50 MSRP. Since the book was released a couple of months ago, it’s not yet available in paperback. The audiobook is $22.96 (MSRP $26.24), and an audio CD version is available for $54.77 (MSRP $65).
Steve Jobs in Exile by Geoffrey Cain
Portfolio
You know the story: Steve Jobs left Apple in 1985, started Next Computer, and then came back to Apple after it bought Next. While it’s not difficult to find coverage of Jobs’ time with Apple, you can’t find much about his time at Next.
Geoffrey Cain’s new book finally fills that gap in the tale of Jobs. It’s an important story because Next was perhaps the most important time in Jobs’ evolution as a businessman. The reason why Jobs was able to turn Apple around in the 1990s was because of what he learned at Next. Learn more by watching this presentation about the book by Cain and former Next employees.
On Amazon U.S., the hardcover book is $24.25, which is $11 off the $35 MSRP. Since the book was released last May, it’s not available in paperback yet. The audiobook is $18.90 (MSRP $21.60).
