Makers of the Microchip

Archival Summary & Scope

This book chronicles the foundational years of Fairchild Semiconductor, the company that invented the microchip and established the blueprint for successful Silicon Valley start-ups. It examines the technological, business, and social dynamics behind their rapid innovation and pioneering venture capital financing, which inspired the growth of Silicon Valley. The volume features a collection of rare facsimile documents—including the company's first prospectus and cofounder Jay Last's notebook—supplemented by historical overviews, interpretive essays, and an introduction to semiconductor technology, offering an unparalleled look at the birth of the digital age.