This kind of retrospective from key people who were involved is invaluable from an historical perspective. I find hearing first-hand accounts of the context, assumptions, thought processes, internal debates, technical limitations, business realities and even dumb luck a good way to not only understand how we got here but how to do as well (or better) going forward.
While the nitty gritty detail of recollections captured when still fresh in memory can be fascinating, I especially appreciate reflections written a few decades later as it allows putting the outcomes of key decisions in perspective, as well as generally enabling more frank assessments thanks to fewer business and personal concerns.
While the nitty gritty detail of recollections captured when still fresh in memory can be fascinating, I especially appreciate reflections written a few decades later as it allows putting the outcomes of key decisions in perspective, as well as generally enabling more frank assessments thanks to fewer business and personal concerns.