Michael Scott

Michael Scott served as the first CEO of Apple Computer from 1977 to 1981, recruited for the role by Mike Markkula to provide experienced leadership over young founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. His background included positions at Fairchild Semiconductor and as director of manufacturing at National Semiconductor. During his tenure at Apple, Scott implemented significant organizational changes, including a complete ban on typewriters in 1979 to demonstrate the company's commitment to modern technology. He also played a crucial role in the early development of the Macintosh project, granting Jef Raskin's team critical extensions when the project faced potential cancellation. Scott's leadership style became notably controversial on "Black Wednesday" in February 1981, when he terminated 40 employees he deemed redundant, including half of the Apple II team. This dramatic management decision, followed by his remarks about firing people to make his job "fun again," marked a significant moment in Apple's early history. Following his departure from Apple in 1981, Scott has maintained a lower public profile in the technology industry. His tenure represents a formative period in Apple's development from a garage startup to an established technology company.

Readers note Scott's accessibility and humor in YA and children's fantasy, with over 20,000 reviews across his works. His Nicholas Flamel series has an average 4.1/5 rating on Goodreads. Readers praise: - Fast-paced action and adventure - Integration of mythology from different cultures - Character development across series - Educational elements woven into stories Common criticisms: - Multiple storylines can feel scattered - Heavy exposition in early chapters - Some find the dialogue stilted - Later books in series lose momentum On Amazon, The Alchemyst (Book 1) holds 4.5/5 from 2,400+ reviews. A frequent comment is "Perfect for Percy Jackson fans looking for their next read." Negative reviews often mention pacing issues, with one reader noting "Takes too long to get going." Goodreads data shows higher ratings for his standalone books (4.3 average) versus series entries (3.9 average). Library Thing users rate his work at 3.8/5 overall.

The Alchemyst - Fifteen-year-old twins Sophie and Josh Newman become entangled in an ancient battle when legendary alchemist Nicholas Flamel's magical bookshop is attacked.

The Magician - The twins continue their magical training in Paris while dealing with the powerful magician Dr. John Dee and his pursuit of the ancient book of Abraham the Mage.

The Sorceress - Sophie and Josh follow Nicholas Flamel to London where they face new supernatural threats while learning to control their awakened magical powers.

The Necromancer - The Newman twins find themselves separated and questioning their loyalties as ancient prophecies begin to unfold.

The Warlock - The twins must choose sides in an escalating conflict while Perenelle and Nicholas Flamel's immortality begins to fade.

The Enchantress - The series concludes as Sophie and Josh face their ultimate destiny in a final confrontation that will determine the fate of the human world.

The Thirteen Hallows - A modern-day woman becomes involved in an ancient Celtic mystery when she inherits one of thirteen sacred objects.

Rick Atkinson writes deeply researched business and technology histories focused on organizational development and leadership transitions. His work examines how companies navigate growth phases similar to Apple's early years and the complex dynamics between founders and professional management.

David Yoffie specializes in competitive strategy and technology industry leadership cases, including extensive coverage of semiconductor companies. His background in studying both established firms like National Semiconductor and startups provides relevant context for readers interested in Scott's career trajectory.

Leslie Berlin chronicles Silicon Valley history with particular attention to the 1970s-80s transition period from semiconductors to personal computing. Her research includes extensive primary source material from early tech companies and their executives during this pivotal era.

Merrill Chapman focuses on executive decision making during periods of rapid corporate expansion and organizational change. His analysis of management styles during tech industry transitions parallels many of the challenges faced during Scott's tenure at Apple.

Steven Levy documents the technical and business evolution of personal computing, including extensive coverage of early Silicon Valley semiconductor firms. His work provides detailed accounts of the industry ecosystem that shaped Scott's career path from Fairchild to Apple.