The book this episode covers
The Instant Image
Mark Olshaker · Reading rank 309 · in 3 other episodes
This episode is framed around a dedicated read-through of a biography covering Edwin Land's life and Polaroid's early history.
Dedicated episode
Books David recommends along the way
Running Down a Dream, How to Succeed and Thrive in a Career You Love
Bill Gurley · Watch & Listen · in 21 other episodes
David calls Running Down a Dream one of his favorite lectures.
Explicit praise · Founder theme
Also mentioned
Jeff Bezos' Shareholder Letters
Jeff Bezos · Reading rank 4 · in 32 other episodes
David says Bezos's letters are fascinating, interesting, and full of good information.
Explicit praise
Berkshire Hathaway Letters to Shareholders
Warren Buffett · Reading rank 16 · in 47 other episodes
Cross-episode reference
Made in Japan
Akio Morita with Edwin M. Reingold and Mitsuko Shimomura · Reading rank 21 · in 21 other episodes
David uses Morita's practice of hiring a demanding paid critic to explain how founders can turn informed criticism into better products.
Founder theme
Insisting on the Impossible
Victor K. McElheny · Reading rank 102 · in 9 other episodes
Cross-episode reference
A Triumph of Genius
Ronald K. Fierstein · Reading rank 158 · in 6 other episodes
Cross-episode reference
Each note is a short paraphrase of why David brings the book up. Book pages show every piece of evidence and its review status. How ranking works