s we prepare for another Star Wars sequel to hit our movie theaters, somewhere in the depths of the inner universe is a newly written book - a book that is the sequel to the amazing Macintosh historical adventure. The book that I am talking about is entitled Apple Confidential (The real story of Apple Computer Company, Inc.) by Owen W. Linzmayer.

     Perhaps some of you can remember a few years ago; I wrote a review on a book called The Mac Bathroom Reader. I bought this book on a non-computer vacation. Well, if you remember the article, you would remember how glowing I was about the book. It was a book that took me through the total history and times of Apple Computer Inc. While I was on vacation, I couldn't put the book down. The Mac Bathroom Reader was my virtual Powerbook on my vacation.

Well, if you didn't have the chance to read The Mac Bathroom Reader, don't worry. Apple Confidential covers the early material in The Mac Bathroom Reader and more. You see; The Mac Bathroom Reader ends in 1994 (that is when the book came out). Now, Apple Confidential takes you all the way to 1999! It covers everything from the Apple 1 to the iMac!

Owen Linzmayer is the author of both Apple Confidential and The Mac Bathroom Reader. I'm sure you've seen the name. Does MacAddict magazine ring a bell? Mr. Linzmayer is the writer for the Questions and Answer column. Therefore, anyone who is familiar with Linzmayer's articles, would know the passion this author has for the Macintosh computer. Owen lives the Macintosh. Thus, you can feel it in his writing. This is even more evident in Apple Confidential.

     Since I already read The Mac Bathroom Reader, I found myself at first skipping through some of the chapters. However, once I found myself reading a particular chapter, I couldn't stop reading it until I finished it. I even caught a few nuances that I passed over when I first read The Mac Bathroom Reader.

     Owen Linzmayer explores Apple's history in much detail. The book starts from Apple's infancy all the way to the present day. The book chronicles all the blundering executive decisions (as well as the positive ones). I have to say, after reading this book; that It amazes the mind that Apple is still around after all these years. You can understand what I mean after reading the book. In my opinion, Apple's longevity sustained because the Macintosh is such an amazing computer. It was the greatness of the Macintosh computer (not the company) that kept Apple from falling apart.

     You'll read about: The forgotten founder who walked away from hundreds of millions of dollars. You'll also read about the battles between the original creator of the Macintosh and Steve Jobs. Oh, you didn't know that Jef Raskin was the father of the Macintosh project? Well, once you read Apple Confidential you will.

     You'll also discover how Microsoft and Sculley conspired to enhance the Windows operating system at Apple's expense. In addition, you'll finally get to read the complete story of the Newton MessagePad (The Mac Bathroom Reader only touched upon it). However, the most interesting part of the book is the timeline of all the people who ran Apple. As I said, it is amazing that Apple prevailed with John Sculley, Michael Spindler and Gilbert Amelio at the helm (say what you want about Steve Jobs).

     The book also covers every code name and important fact concerning each computer. From the Apple 1 to the iMac, you'll learn about each computer's timeline. You'll even learn about some computer blunders. Do you own a Mac Portable? You'll find out why many people do not in the Apple Confidential.

     The Confidential includes many quotations, photos and illustrations. Therefore, this book is a must-read for serious Macintosh enthusiast. However, even a non-Apple person (do I say Windows :-) would find the book educational.

     Sure, reruns are fine. However, a sequel brings in a whole new picture. So, what are you waiting for? Go out and buy this book. Unlock Apple Confidential for your reading pleasure.

David Rosenthal (ignats@interport.net) is a middle school teacher of computers and MIDI in New York. He also is a Macintosh consultant and user friendly person. :-)