Peter C. Goldmark (1906–1977)

Mixed bag of an autobiography by a scientist involved in many technological innovations in media. His insights into the wrangles over the creation of colour television (he pioneered an approach that was beaten in a bit of dirty pool by RCA) and the forerunner of the VCR are interesting, though he seems like he wants to settle some scores with CBS founder and chairman William Paley, who doesn't come off well in the book. (By contrast, Frank Stanton comes across as interested and decisive.) Less interesting are the parts at the end of the book when Goldmark gets a social conscience and decides to inflict on the reader. I got this book primarily to get Goldmark's insights on the colour television wrangle, and biased as they are, they're quite revealing. Also interesting case studies in how corporate wrangling can derail innovation. (He's also off by a few years as to when the Yankees, a former CBS property, went back into prosperity -- it was a few years later than he says. Spoils a good story.)… (plus d'informations)