The HP Way (How Bill Hewlett and I built our Company) by David Packard 212 pages. Paperback. July 1996. An interesting and inexpensive paperback for the electronics engineer or enthusiast, this book traces the history of Hewlett Packard since before HP's origins inside a garage in Palo Alto in 1939. The early evolution is particularly interesting, and the book describes one of HP's first commercial breakthroughs - manufacturing audio oscillators designed by Bill Hewlett for Disney's Fantasia. The growth of their test equipment range is walked through and the much later evolution of HP's famous LaserJet and the Deskjet inkjet printer is outlined too, on to the mammoth semiconductor and equipment manufacturer we know today. The book includes some fascinating photos - including that of HP's founders with Lee De Forest, the triode tube inventor. Many other names get a look-in - including GE and Tektronix. Some of the interest, for me, tailed off a little during the latter half of the book but I found the details of HP's origins quite fascinating. The HP Way contains many truisms which would in my view benefit many UK companies today if they ever bothered to listen - in particular their conscientous, professional and paternal approach to employee development and the need to look after them, to let them develop, and not to hold it against them if they want to spread their wings and move on in life (maybe returning to the company later if need be). A USA national bestseller, an interesting and fairly readable book, worth a read! Click here to order The HP Way from amazon.co.uk [ Back to Book Choices page ]