This book examines Bell Labs at a critical time in its history--after the divestiture of AT&T of AT&T. The question psed by the author is: will Bell Labs continue as an open, exciting research center in the post-divestiture era?

The author points out the Bell Labs, just prior to divestiture, was a research center that supported seven Nobel laureates, received over 20,000 patents, employed over 24,000 employees, and created an environment where researchers were free to follow their thinking, encouraged to interact actively, and to swap ideas with fellow researchers. Now that divestiture demands financial responsibility and marketable performance, will this unique environment continue to exist?

Bernstein divides his book into four major parts: Bits (computers), The Solid State (transistors), Telephony (the art and science of the telephone), and Three Degrees Above Zero (radio astronomy). Each chapter focuses on a personality, such as Ronald Graham, Arno Penzias, or “Belle” a chess playing program that has a personality of personal glimpses--a very warm touch--as well as commentary about the major research performed and the impact that research has had upon the scientific community. By focusing on people who have made an impact--the author shows the significance of Bell Labs as a contributor to scientific research.