In the Plex: How Google Thinks, Works, and Shapes Our Lives

The most interesting book ever written about Google, now updated with a new Afterword, delivers the inside story behind the most successful and admired technology company of our time. It explains how Google's success in all these businesses lay in its engineering mindset and adoption of internet values such as speed, openness, experimentation, and risk-taking.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

The most captivating book ever penned about Google, hailed as "the most authoritative...and in many ways the most entertaining" (James Gleick, The New York Book Review) account of the tech giant to date, provides an insightful primer on the workings of the minds behind the world's most influential internet company. Written by renowned technology journalist David Levy, who was granted unprecedented access to the company, the book delves into the inner workings of Google, shedding light on its remarkable journey from a humble search engine startup to a global powerhouse.

Founded by two Stanford graduate students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google has emerged as the most important company in the world today, exerting a pervasive influence that has even given rise to the verb "Google." The company's remarkable growth has seen it venture into diverse industries, including mobile phones, computer operating systems, power utilities, self-driving cars, and advertising, all while maintaining its dominant position in the advertising sector.

Levy's book offers a deep dive into the key factors that have contributed to Google's success. He reveals that the company's engineering mindset and adoption of internet values such as speed, openness, experimentation, and risk-taking have played a pivotal role in its ability to thrive in various industries. The author also discloses details about Google's relationship with China, including Brin's disagreement with his colleagues on the China strategy and the reasons behind the failure of the company's social networking initiative.

Furthermore, Levy explores Google's complex relationship with government regulators, particularly in the European Union. He sheds light on the challenges the company has faced and the strategies it has employed to navigate the regulatory landscape. The book also delves into the departure of employees from Google for smaller, nimbler start-ups, highlighting the competitive environment within the tech industry.

In the Plex is widely regarded as the most authoritative and comprehensive account of Google to date. It provides a wealth of information and insights into the company's history, culture, and strategies, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the tech industry. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, business professional, or simply curious about the world's most influential company, this book is a must-read.

In conclusion, The most captivating book ever penned about Google offers a fascinating and insightful journey into the world of the tech giant. Written by David Levy with unprecedented access to the company, the book provides a deep dive into Google's history, culture, and strategies, shedding light on the key factors that have contributed to its remarkable success. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, business professional, or simply curious about the world's most influential company, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 214 x 140 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781416596592