One of the most interesting books I read was mentioned here on HN early this year: A Thread Across the Ocean<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.amazon.com&#x2F;Thread-Across-Ocean-Heroic-Transatlantic&#x2F;dp&#x2F;0060524464" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.amazon.com&#x2F;Thread-Across-Ocean-Heroic-Transatlant...</a><p>It covers the beginnings of one of the most important historical legs that most of our amazing technology rests on.