Why people recommend it
The One Device by Brian Merchant is a meticulous 2016 historical examination of the creation and cultural impact of the iPhone, tracing its technological roots and manufacturing realities. Robert Evans referenced and quoted from this book on the podcast Behind the Bastards during the episode titled Part Four: The Terrible Secret of Steve Jobs, broadcast on March 14, 2024. During the broadcast, the host utilized Merchant's research to shed light on the darker aspects of Silicon Valley history, specifically detailing the grueling and controversial working conditions at Foxconn facilities. Evans lauded the publication, describing it as a really interesting and genuinely good historical account that effectively pierces through corporate mythology. By bringing Brian Merchant's work into the conversation, the podcast provided listeners with a stark, grounded counter-narrative to the glossy marketing campaigns typically associated with tech giants. The book functions as an essential investigative tool within the episode, exposing the human cost hidden behind sleek consumer electronics and reminding audiences of the vast global supply chains operating under immense pressure. Through these detailed references, the text emerges as a critical read for understanding the true history of modern personal technology and its widespread consequences.
Who recommended it
- Robert Evans Recommended
Robert Evans — 2 mentions
“that's where Brian Merchant's 2016 history of the iPhone the one device comes in”
“That's where Brian Merchant's 2016 history of the iPhone, 'The One Device,' comes in. Um, yeah, and it's a really interesting book, a really good book.”