Harlan E. Anderson

The autobiography of Harlan E. Anderson, co-founder of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), is published. “Learn, Earn, and Return:  My Life as a Computer Pioneer” is a 300-page hardcover book that includes an appendix “The Rise and Fall of a Computer Empire” chronicling DEC’s amazing growth and decline during the period after Anderson resigned and many photos which have never been seen before.

Anderson writes on learning about computers and writing programs when the first stored program computers were still under construction.  He writes about his earning days which were closely tied to the co-founding of Digital Equipment Corporation in 1957. For the first time, Anderson discusses his close relationship with co-founder Ken Olsen and how it came apart during the first decade of DEC’s existence.  Anderson also writes about his returning days which are still going on through his contributions to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and many other organizations.

“Harlan Anderson has written a clear account of his interesting, productive, and caring life that I recommend because of his role as an industry pioneer.  While a personally enjoyable story because of our backgrounds and friendship, he posits his record covering an 80-year, four generation period that we may be repeating,” says Gordon Bell.  “He provides additional insight about the rough demise of DEC, which was once the second largest computer company in the world.  Harlan is a pioneer of the computer industry.”

“In his preface, Harlan Anderson writes that he has “no disillusions that this memoir will have any great interest for anyone beyond his grandchildren and descendants.  He is mistaken,” says William R. Schowalter, Former Dean, College of Engineering, University of Illinois. “Anderson has given a remarkable walk through most of the 20th century. It was an environment where someone with Anderson’s intelligence, ambitions, and moral compass could “learn, earn, and return” in many ways that will permit similarly talented individuals of the 21st century to do likewise. There are lessons here for us all.”

How to Purchase: Order the book online at: www.locustpress.com. “Learn, Earn & Return” may also be purchased on site at the Computer History Museum.