Unpacking California's History of Capitalism: A Must-Read Book Recommendation

I recently heard that California's economy is larger than Germany's. While I can't confirm the accuracy of that claim, I wouldn’t be surprised after finishing Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World by Malcolm Harris. I first came across the book at Book Passage in the Ferry Building, San Francisco, despite its less-than-inspiring cover. Yet, what I found inside was nothing short of remarkable.

Harris, a native of the area, delivers a compelling and often unsettling history of California, blending the stories of iconic companies like Uber, Microsoft, and Apple with broader themes of greed, power, and monopoly. Chapters like "Hooverville," "California Uber Alles," and "You Better Try to Make Me Rich" stood out for their sharp insights into the state's complex relationship with capitalism.

Beyond just tech, this book dives deep into California's turbulent history—from the gold rush to Silicon Valley's rise. It's the best book I’ve read this year, even if some of Harris’ conclusions are unsettling and, frankly, unrealistic. Regardless, I’ll be revisiting this work for years to come.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/palo-alto-malcolm-harris/1141481719