Charged bodies: people, power, and paradox in Silicon Valley. (book reviews) Russ Lockwood.

Thomas Mahon, a public relations consultant with clients in the Silicon Valley area of California, conducts a broad sociological study of this 200-square mile high-tech area. He interviews and profiles 25 luminaries, including Robert Noyce, co-inventor of the integrated circuit and co-founder of Intel; Alan Shugart, of Shugart and Seagate disk drive fame; George Morrow, founder of Morrow Designs; and Arthur Rock, venture capitalist.

Mahon probes beyond simple narrations of well-known success stories and offers insights from observers who are part of the "microculture" yet on the fringe of the mainline computer industry. Lawyers, financiers, environmentalists, artists, theologians, and even a private detective recount anecdotes, impressions, and details of Silicon Valley life.

Mahon flits from one story to the next, making his prose mimic the free-wheeling atmosphere of this high-tech environment. New topics appear as fast as new products, keeping Charged Bodies highly charged.

The book provides a snapshot of Silicon Valley life. Readers will be able to glimpse the aura of the area and feel the delights and despairs of the people who make up this high-tech society. Charged Bodies satisfies those who want a light touch on the more human side of technology.

Review Grade: A