Accidental Empires
Accidental Empires by Bob Cringelyby Bob Cringely
Ranked 3 of 9 computer history books by recommenders
Readers recommend it as a fun, vivid history of the early tech industry that inspired many to become programmers.
Readers recommend it as a fun, vivid history of the early tech industry that inspired many to become programmers.
15 people gave an opinion
- recommend it
- 15
- criticize it
- 0
- approval share
- 100%
Recommended in 2 of 13 months
- November 2025: not recommended
- December 2025: not recommended
- January 2026: not recommended
- February 2026: not recommended
- March 2026: not recommended
- April 2026: not recommended
- May 2026: recommended
- June 2026: not recommended
- July 2026: not recommended
- August 2026: not recommended
- September 2026: not recommended
- October 2026: recommended
- November 2026: not recommended (month in progress)
Why it doesn’t carry the badge
- 15 people recommend itNeeds 10 or more, met.
- Nobody criticizes itNeeds 2 to 1 or better, met.
- Recommended in 2 of 13 monthsNeeds 4 or more, not met.
The same three rules apply to every product, and the badge can’t be bought. How the badge works
What people say about it
The reasons people give, with the number of comments that give each one. Open a reason to read what they said.
Why people recommend it
Each mark is one comment
Introduction to tech industry and culture
“I wouldn't be here if I hadn't somehow obtained and read Accidental Empires as a kid.”
Comment from 22 May 2026 in “Robert X Cringely is back to blogging” “An old copy of Accidental Empires was one of my introductions technology + capitalism”
Comment from 5 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” “Reading accidental empires is how i learned that the tech industry even existed”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” - Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died”
Engaging, fun writing style
“is also an incredibly fun read, and a glimpse into a lost era”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” “I loved his writing style in "Accidental Empires"”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” “I greatly enjoyed his book Accidental Empires”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” - Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died”
Lasting personal favorite, reread often
“I've loved Bob and his writings ever since I read Accidental Empires as a kid.”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” “it still has a special place in my heart”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” “I must have read it multiple times.”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” Captures the era and future
“is also an incredibly fun read, and a glimpse into a lost era”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died” “captured the time it was written and the future”
Comment from 4 Oct 2026 in “Tell HN: Bob Cringely has died”
Other computer history books people recommend
The four most recommended other computer history books, with the same counts for each, so you can compare like for like. The tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs.
| Product | Recommend | Criticize | Approval | Months | Owned | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Soul of a New Machineby Tracy Kidder | 59 | 0 | 100% | 8 | 28 yrs3 owners | Approved |
| The Old New Thingby Raymond Chen | 31 | 1 | 97% | 12 | — | Approved |
| Accidental Empiresby Bob CringelyThis page | 15 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| A History of Lisp | 11 | 3 | 79% | 1 | — | — |
| Turing's Cathedralby George Dyson | 10 | 0 | 100% | 3 | — | — |
What people said
15 of the 16 comments that mention it, newest first. Each links to the original comment.
“An old copy of Accidental Empires was one of my introductions technology + capitalism”
“it would still be enough to achieve immortality”
“is also an incredibly fun read, and a glimpse into a lost era”
“I loved his writing style in "Accidental Empires"”
“captured the time it was written and the future”
“I've loved Bob and his writings ever since I read Accidental Empires as a kid.”
“I must have read it multiple times.”
“Accidental Empires was a great read”
“I greatly enjoyed his book Accidental Empires”
“Loved his book, and documentary.”
“it still has a special place in my heart”
“I loved the book Accidental Empires, and it inspired me to become a programmer.”
“that was my introduction to ‘tech culture’.”
“Reading accidental empires is how i learned that the tech industry even existed”
“I wouldn't be here if I hadn't somehow obtained and read Accidental Empires as a kid.”
Counts come from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026. How we count. Report a mistake.