Cult of Mac (Hardcover)

Cult of Mac (Hardcover)

by Leander Kahney
November 2004, 280 pp.
ISBN-13: 
978-1-886411-83-8
4-color, Hardcover
Sorry, no ebook is available for this title. (Why not?)
$39.95

"The Macintosh is more than a computer, it's a way of life. This book is about what it is to be a Macintosh person. It gives insight into the greatest love and loyalties of any product of our era."
--Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-founder

"If you want to know what's happening in the Apple underground, talk to Leander Kahney."
--Eric Hellweg, CNN Columnist

There is no product on the planet that enjoys the devotion of a Macintosh computer. Famously dedicated to their machines, many Mac fans eat, sleep, and breathe Macintosh. The Cult of Mac is the first book about Macintosh culture, arguably the largest distinct subculture in computing.

Written by Wired News managing editor Leander Kahney, The Cult of Mac is an in-depth look at Mac users and their unique, creative, and often very funny culture. Like fans of a football team or a rock group, Macintosh fans have their own customs, with clearly defined obsessions, rites and passages. From people who get Mac tattoos and haircuts, to those who furnish their apartments with empty Mac boxes, this book details Mac fandom in all of its forms.

Join the Cult of Mac, download a poster!

11" x 17" (PDF)

8.5" x 11" (PDF)

Author Bio 

Leander Kahney is the Managing Editor at Wired News, where he originated the wildly popular Cult of Mac blog. He treats his subjects with insight and humor and his experiences interacting with Mac fanatics and attending Mac events around the world are highly entertaining. Before joining Wired, Kahney was a senior writer at MacWeek, and he has written for numerous publications, including Wired Magazine, Scientific American, and the London Guardian. Kahney is also the author of The Cult of iPod (No Starch Press).

Table of contents 

Part 1: MACINTOSH MADNESS

Ch 1: Techno Fetishism
Ch 2: Macs and the Counterculture
Ch 3: Worshipping the Two Steves
Ch 4: Mac Tattoos and Haircuts
Ch 5: Macspotting
Ch 6: Mac Evangelism
Ch 7: The Mac Web

Part 2: GATHERINGS OF THE CLAN

Ch 8: Tales of Macworld
Ch 9: Macs in Japan

PART 3: INCESSANT TINKERERS

Ch 10: Macquariums
Ch 11: Fantasy Macs
Ch 12: Hardware Mods
Ch 13: Paper Macs

PART 4: HOARDERS AND RECYCLERS

Ch 14: Mac Collectors and Collectibles
Ch 15: Antique Macs

PART 5: NEW FRONTIERS

Ch 16: iPod
Ch 17: What Makes Mac Fans So Loyal?

Reviews 

Leander Kahney interviewed on radio show
-Tech Night Owl, February 15, 2008 (Download and listen)

"Kahney has captured the breadth of the phenomenon in a compelling and visually appealing volume without taking the subject or himself too seriously... will entertain anyone interested in how one corner of technology and design has influenced society. Even devoted PC users will find the Mac culture described here amusing and enlighten­ing."
—North Coast Mac Users Group, February 2008 (Read More)

Fan site of alternative rock band mention member's inclusion in book
—Modwheelmood Fan, January 13, 2008 (Read more)

Leander Kahney interviewed about rumors of the iPhone
—PodTech, December 28, 2006 (Download and listen)

"Easy to read with plenty of full colour images throughout, this would be a perfect gift for the Mac fan in your life or anyone interested in learning more about the culture surrounding the Mac. Essentially this book is an insightful and fantastic celebration."
—IT Wales, December 13, 2006 (Read more)

"If you love your Mac, you'll love this book."
—On Computers, December 11, 2006 (Read more)

Book and author cited in article about iPhone rumors
—Hindustan Times, November 22, 2006 (Read more)

Leander Kahney quoted in article about iPods growing less cool
—The Guardian (U.K.), September 10, 2006 (Read more)

Named Best Book of 2005
—MacGuide New Zealand, January/February 2006 (Read more)

Both The Cult of iPod and The Cult of Mac, as well as Leander Kahney's blog and No Starch Press, were featured as "hot stuff" in this week's episode of online show (segment starts 16 minutes in)
—CommandN, January 16, 2006 (Read more)

"By the end of the book, I was completely won over — and proud to be a member of this obsessive, cultish clan."
—MacGuide New Zealand, January/February 2006 (Read more)

Ongoing panel discussion of Apple's future among industry experts includes Leander Kahney
—SiliconValley.com (Read more)

Blog of someone who’s just started writing a column for Wired News
—Click Opera, August 13, 2005 (Read more)

“Does an excellent job of documenting the breadth of the community.”
—TechWorld, August 3, 2005 (Full review)

“There is some awesome photography and layout. The aesthetic of the book actually reminds me of Mac--sleek and refined. It doesn't clutter the pages with unnecessary garble; instead, it reaches a lovely balance of beauty and function.”
—Jive Magazine, July 12, 2005 (Full review)

"In short, this book is the answer to those who ask you why you eat, sleep, live and breathe Macintosh, why you have so many Mac T-shirts, and why you haven't thrown out a piece of software since 1998."
—Metro Mac, May/June 2005 (Full review)

Author Leander Kahney quoted in article about "the Halley's Comet" of Apple rumors
—Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 25, 2005 (Read article)

"This book is a rare item, and extremely well turned out... certainly worth a day or two of summer browsing or as a feature coffee table item for some."
—Edmonton Linux User Group, May 2005 (Full review)

"A well-written, enjoyable, informative, and entertaining account of Mac culture. It is a must-read for Mac lovers everywhere!"
—About.com, May 2005 (Full review)

Author Leander Kahney quoted extensively in article about lusting after old, obsolete computers
—City Magazine, April/May 2005

"Beautifully done from a design and production standpoint... does a great job of chronicling why people merely USE Windows machines, but LOVE Macs."
—MacTech, April 2005

Discussion in "Teens with Macs" forum includes many enthusiastic recommendations from those who've already read The Cult of Mac
—MacAddict, March 24, 2005 (Read more)

The Cult of Mac highlighted in article about famous Mac-loving couple and other fanatics
—MacWorldNews, March 20, 2005 (Read article)

The Cult of Mac cover and author Leander Kahney highlighted in article on Mac fanaticism in French-language Swiss newspaper
—Le Matin, March 19, 2005 (Read article)

"Apple's award-winning designs have inspired a dedicated following of creative technophiles—and it seems Wired News reporter Kahney has met them all."
—SciTech Book News, March 2005 (Full review)

"Connected to their machines like toddlers to teddy bears, some worshippers at the altar of Apple would sooner... give a defunct 128K Macintosh a second wind as a novelty goldfish tank than accept the popularly held belief that a computer becomes obsolete the moment it's off the production line."
—Dwell Magazine, March 2005 (Full review)

"Leander Kahney's coffee-table book, based on his stories for Wired News, documents the over-the-top behavior of these folks, only some of whom seem to be driven by the same nerdy demons as Trekkies."
—Newsweek, Feb. 21, 2005 (Full review)

Art Krakowski reviews The Cult of Mac on "The PC Radio Show"
—WBAI 99.5 FM (New York), Feb. 16, 2005 (Read more)

The Cult of Mac Book Giveaway
—iPod Lounge, February 14 through March 4, 2005 (Read more)

"A diverting, sometimes quirky and always entertaining study of why owning a Mac computer means contracting a passion for an inanimate object... a lovely book, full of great pictures and written with insight, knowledge and wit."
—The Age (Australia), Feb. 10, 2005 (Full review)

"It is a lovely book, full of great pictures and written with insight, knowledge and wit."
—The Age (Melbourne), Feb. 10, 2005 (Full review)

"The best—and most frightening—aspects of our devotion... it's all here."
—Macworld, "Hot Stuff," February 2005

"You'll have little problem spotting the well-done collection on the bookstore shelves: The cover features the back of a head with the Apple logo shaved into the hair."
—Lakeland (FL) Ledger, Jan. 30, 2005 (Full review)

Leander Kahney on iPod fanatics: "People really fall in love with the device, and they want to celebrate it."
—North Jersey Herald News & Record, Jan. 30, 2005 (Read article)

"My enthusiasm compares nothing to Kahney who wrote this beautiful book The Cult of Mac."
—Hindustan Times, Jan. 26, 2005 (Full review)

"This is possibly the best book ever written on the subject... will delight you to the max with solid research amazing photo layouts and of course all the facts and stories you can read."
—Digital Dispatch, Jan. 24, 2005

"Reading The Cult of Mac has been like joining a support program for Apple addicts—everybody shares their story, together we plumb the depths of fanaticism and the extremity of our love for all things Mac."
—Crown Dozen, Jan. 20, 2005 (Full review)

"It's a delight to see this book, it doesn't take itself too seriously, and has a lot of fun."
—Books-On-Line, Jan. 19, 2005 (Full review)

Leander Kahney interviewed on radio show
—Tech Night Owl, February 15, 2008 (Download and listen)

"Kahney has captured the breadth of the phenomenon in a compelling and visually appealing volume without taking the subject or himself too seriously... will entertain anyone interested in how one corner of technology and design has influenced society. Even devoted PC users will find the Mac culture described here amusing and enlighten­ing."
—North Coast Mac Users Group, February 2008 (Read More)

Fan site of alternative rock band mention member's inclusion in book
—Modwheelmood Fan, January 13, 2008 (Read more)

Leander Kahney interviewed about rumors of the iPhone
—PodTech, December 28, 2006 (Download and listen)

"Easy to read with plenty of full colour images throughout, this would be a perfect gift for the Mac fan in your life or anyone interested in learning more about the culture surrounding the Mac. Essentially this book is an insightful and fantastic celebration."
—IT Wales, December 13, 2006 (Read more)

"If you love your Mac, you'll love this book."
—On Computers, December 11, 2006 (Read more)

Book and author cited in article about iPhone rumors
—Hindustan Times, November 22, 2006 (Read more)

Leander Kahney quoted in article about iPods growing less cool
—The Guardian (U.K.), September 10, 2006 (Read more)

Named Best Book of 2005
—MacGuide New Zealand, January/February 2006 (Read more)

Both The Cult of iPod and The Cult of Mac, as well as Leander Kahney's blog and No Starch Press, were featured as "hot stuff" in this week's episode of online show (segment starts 16 minutes in)
—CommandN, January 16, 2006 (Read more)

"By the end of the book, I was completely won over — and proud to be a member of this obsessive, cultish clan."
—MacGuide New Zealand, January/February 2006 (Read more)

Ongoing panel discussion of Apple's future among industry experts includes Leander Kahney
—SiliconValley.com (Read more)

Blog of someone who’s just started writing a column for Wired News
—Click Opera, August 13, 2005 (Read more)

“Does an excellent job of documenting the breadth of the community.”
—TechWorld, August 3, 2005 (Full review)

“There is some awesome photography and layout. The aesthetic of the book actually reminds me of Mac--sleek and refined. It doesn't clutter the pages with unnecessary garble; instead, it reaches a lovely balance of beauty and function.”
—Jive Magazine, July 12, 2005 (Full review)

"In short, this book is the answer to those who ask you why you eat, sleep, live and breathe Macintosh, why you have so many Mac T-shirts, and why you haven't thrown out a piece of software since 1998."
—Metro Mac, May/June 2005 (Full review)

Author Leander Kahney quoted in article about "the Halley's Comet" of Apple rumors
—Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 25, 2005 (Read article)

"This book is a rare item, and extremely well turned out... certainly worth a day or two of summer browsing or as a feature coffee table item for some."
—Edmonton Linux User Group, May 2005 (Full review)

"A well-written, enjoyable, informative, and entertaining account of Mac culture. It is a must-read for Mac lovers everywhere!"
—About.com, May 2005 (Full review)

Author Leander Kahney quoted extensively in article about lusting after old, obsolete computers
—City Magazine, April/May 2005

"Beautifully done from a design and production standpoint... does a great job of chronicling why people merely USE Windows machines, but LOVE Macs."
—MacTech, April 2005

Discussion in "Teens with Macs" forum includes many enthusiastic recommendations from those who've already read The Cult of Mac
—MacAddict, March 24, 2005 (Read more)

The Cult of Mac highlighted in article about famous Mac-loving couple and other fanatics
—MacWorldNews, March 20, 2005 (Read article)

The Cult of Mac cover and author Leander Kahney highlighted in article on Mac fanaticism in French-language Swiss newspaper
—Le Matin, March 19, 2005 (Read article)

"Apple's award-winning designs have inspired a dedicated following of creative technophiles—and it seems Wired News reporter Kahney has met them all."
—SciTech Book News, March 2005 (Full review)

"Connected to their machines like toddlers to teddy bears, some worshippers at the altar of Apple would sooner... give a defunct 128K Macintosh a second wind as a novelty goldfish tank than accept the popularly held belief that a computer becomes obsolete the moment it's off the production line."
—Dwell Magazine, March 2005 (Full review)

"Leander Kahney's coffee-table book, based on his stories for Wired News, documents the over-the-top behavior of these folks, only some of whom seem to be driven by the same nerdy demons as Trekkies."
—Newsweek, Feb. 21, 2005 (Full review)

Art Krakowski reviews The Cult of Mac on "The PC Radio Show"
—WBAI 99.5 FM (New York), Feb. 16, 2005 (Read more)

The Cult of Mac Book Giveaway
—iPod Lounge, February 14 through March 4, 2005 (Read more)

"A diverting, sometimes quirky and always entertaining study of why owning a Mac computer means contracting a passion for an inanimate object... a lovely book, full of great pictures and written with insight, knowledge and wit."
—The Age (Australia), Feb. 10, 2005 (Full review)

"It is a lovely book, full of great pictures and written with insight, knowledge and wit."
—The Age (Melbourne), Feb. 10, 2005 (Full review)

"The best—and most frightening—aspects of our devotion... it's all here."
—Macworld, "Hot Stuff," February 2005

"You'll have little problem spotting the well-done collection on the bookstore shelves: The cover features the back of a head with the Apple logo shaved into the hair."
—Lakeland (FL) Ledger, Jan. 30, 2005 (Full review)

Leander Kahney on iPod fanatics: "People really fall in love with the device, and they want to celebrate it."
—North Jersey Herald News & Record, Jan. 30, 2005 (Read article)

"My enthusiasm compares nothing to Kahney who wrote this beautiful book The Cult of Mac."
—Hindustan Times, Jan. 26, 2005 (Full review)

"This is possibly the best book ever written on the subject... will delight you to the max with solid research amazing photo layouts and of course all the facts and stories you can read."
—Digital Dispatch, Jan. 24, 2005

"Reading The Cult of Mac has been like joining a support program for Apple addicts—everybody shares their story, together we plumb the depths of fanaticism and the extremity of our love for all things Mac."
—Crown Dozen, Jan. 20, 2005 (Full review)

"It's a delight to see this book, it doesn't take itself too seriously, and has a lot of fun."
—Books-On-Line, Jan. 19, 2005 (Full review)

"Meet Leander Kahney, the man behind Cult of Mac"
—The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW), W Hotel Westwood engagement, Jan. 17, 2005 (Read more)

"O'Reilly Media set up shop to promote some of its Mac-centric books, including The Cult of Mac."
—CNET, "Scenes from Macworld" photo collection, Jan. 12, 2005 (Read more)

"Openly celebrates the lives of Apple's evangelistic, obsessive, demanding, and, most of all, loyal fans, who would just as soon shave an Apple logo on their head as look at you."
—Harvard Business School Working Knowledge, Jan. 10, 2005 (Full review)

"Owning it will make you call out to officemates who love Macs, 'Hey, get a load of this!'"
—Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 10, 2005

"Leander Kahney, author of the new book, The Cult of Mac, about the clannish Apple community and its passionate devotion to the computer, predicts an iPod backlash from the Mac faithful."
—San Jose Mercury News, "IPodopolis," Jan. 10, 2005 (Read article)

Leander Kahney is interviewed on popular San Francisco morning show
—KFOG radio Jan. 10, 2005 (Read more)

"Journalist Leander Kahney has made much of Macintosh fanaticism in recent years. His interest in the subject has spawned a column at Wired News, a blog and now a book: The Cult of Mac."
—The Manchester Guardian (UK), "Mad for Macs, Jan. 6, 2005 (Read article)

Leander Kahney talks about how Apple is suing websites for leaking news
—Om Malik on Broadband, Business 2.0 writer's blog, Jan. 5, 2005 (Read more)

"The Cult of Mac, an enduring and idiosyncratic history of, and love song to the all things Apple and sung in an enthusiastic chorus by the Mac community."
—Outsideleft, "Obsessives Like Me?" (Full review)

"Three weeks after its October 2004 release, The Cult of Mac, from technology publisher No Starch Press, returned to press after selling out its 10,000-copy first printing."
—Publisher's Weekly, Jan. 3, 2005 (Read article)

"One of those books that Macaholics and Macheads will read and savor and Windows users will not ever understand."
—Bay Area Mac Users' Group of West Central Florida, January 2005 (Full review)

"I think you can get The Cult of Mac even if you don't use one. Perhaps not. I'm not a member of the cult. But I have used a Mac, and I've even authorized purchases of cubes for folks working for me. But this book is fun, even for a guy like me."
—UNIX Review, January 2005 (Full review)

Q&A session with Leander Kahney posted online and distributed via email newsletter
—OutsideLeft, "At the Sermon on the MacMount and Elsewhere", January 2005 (Read more)

"We challenge you to open to any photo-filled page in long-time Mac observer Leander Kahney's 268-page exaltation of the Mac community and not learn something new about the Mac's history or the creativity of its fanatical devotees."
—MacAddict, January 2005

"...a must read and have reference book."
—Netdiver, "What's New" section, January 2005 (Full review)

4.5/5 Stars: "I was hooked on the book from its introductory pages and was disappointed when I had to put it down to get on with my life—you know, sleep, eat, and get on with other responsibilities."
—MacCompanion, January 2005 (Full review)

"An intriguing, lively discourse"
—Midwest Book Review, January 2005 (Full review)

Named best book of 2004 for Mac users
—The Designer's Bookshelf, January 2005 (Read article)

"If you are a Mac cultist, or know one that you'd like to understand better, this is a very entertaining read."
—Blogcritics, Dec. 29, 2004 (Full review)

"This is without a doubt one of the very best books about the Macintosh to have been published for many years."
—Apple Lust, Dec. 23, 2004 (Full review)

"The innumerable subjects Kahney covers makes the book equivalent to a 30-course banquet at the Ritz. Absolutely everything that a Mac-fanatic could want is in here."
—The Inquirer, Dec. 22, 2004 (Full review)

"I am not a Mac addict like the people found in Leander Kahney's new book, The Cult of Mac (No Starch Press), but I am a recreational user and I can relate to the Mac addict's plight."
—Papermag, Dec. 21, 2004 (Full review)

The Cult of Mac is recommended to "Last-Second Santas" on SignOn San Diego and is among the last-minute holiday gift ideas presented on Canadian program Cyberbuzz TV
—December 2004

"Even non-Mac owners have been known to covet Apple's hardware... Is it the pull of the online Mac community? 'It's definitely an aspect. Consumer behaviourists have even recognised the lure of Apple's marketing and products. Critics may argue that the community of Apple users seems alienated, but there seem to be genuine bonds of friendship.' said Kahney."
—MicroMart, British computer magazine feature on obsession with Mac brand, Dec. 17, 2004 (Read article)

"Apple's products look great... You want to touch them, feel them, caress them."
—Network Life, "A Mac Convert," Dec. 15, 2005 (Read article)

"The whole book is basically as crisp and striking as the cover... You can be amused, surprised, impressed, even overwhelmed, by all of the visual data in the book."
—Poor Mojo Newswire Dec. 15, 2004 (Read more)

"The Cult of Mac, recently released by No Starch Press, illustrates a culture of Apple Computer devotees still very alive."
—CNET, "The art of being a Mac fan" photo spread, Dec. 14, 2004 (See more)

"It's the ultimate Mac-lover's coffee table book. (Have you ever heard anyone claiming such affection and loyalty to Windows?)"
—Business In Vancouver, "Have a Techie Christmas," Dec. 14, 2004 (Read article)

Featured in a collection of reader-submitted gift ideas
—MSNBC, Dec. 14, 2004 (Read article)

"Perhaps all the Apple buzz is a guerrilla marketing campaign to sell The Cult of Mac, a coffee-table book released in November by Wired scribe Leander Kahney."
—Seattle Times, Dec. 13, 2004 (Read article)

"Kahney embarked on his journey to chronicle the weird world of Mac addicts last year, and I think he nailed it. If you have iPod-clutching, Macintosh-using, Woz-loving, Newton-worshiping cultists in your circle of friends, get 'em this book. But even if you you're not a HyperCard-carrying member of the club, the book is worth a look. Kahney has uncovered some real characters on the scene."
—San Francisco Chronicle, Dec. 12, 2004 (Read article)

"If your favorite Mac geek has every Mac-related doodad and you have no clue what he would need, try the compelling new book The Cult of Mac."
—San Antonio Express-News, Dec. 12, 2004 (Read article)

"Hardcover coffee-table book that you'll keep looking through even when your coffee table's too crowded for books."
—Syracuse Post-Standard, "Gift ideas for your favorite Mac fan," Dec. 12, 2004 (Read article)

Leander Kahney is interviewed by Scott Sheppard
—Mac Radio, Dec. 11, 2004 (Hear interview)

"The Cult of Mac is sure to warm the heart of your beloved Mac user. It's a fun read."
—Houston Chronicle, Dec. 7, 2004 (Read article)

"The book not only explores the history of Apple Computer products, but also the people who love them, or are obsessed by them. The book is packed with images and art, from Apple-theme digital art to pictures of Mac-related tattoos. It will bring a fruity twist to any coffee table."
—Arkansas Democrat-Review holiday guide, Dec. 5, 2004 (Read article)

"This book knocks me out... such a fun read that I'd recommend it to anyone."
—Alaskan Apple Users Group, Dec. 4, 2004 (Full review)

Leander Kahney is interviewed by Gene Steinberg, "Mac author and columnist extraordinaire"
—Mac Radio, Dec. 2, 2004 (Hear interview)

"Brimming with more than 500 color photos, this fun book won't stay on the shelves long."
—Library Journal, starred review, December 2004

Hot Review: "A fun book, one that any self-respecting Mac addict will delight in receiving as a present, and displaying on the coffee table. That is, if they can keep wiping the drool off the pages."
—MacNN, December 2004 (Full review)

"A must-have for the True Mac user. For the rest, a little taste of what you've been missing out on for the last twenty years." —Eric Wuehler
—Amazon review December 2004

5/5 Rating: "This is a wonderful book to look at and read. Many of the stories are captivating, and made me want to look up more information online of the people he writes about in the book... Written with detail in mind, The Cult of Mac is a large and ambitious project that was put together with loving care by the author."
—MyMac.com, December 2004 (Full review)

"Kahney crawls into every crevice where Mac addicts lurk, providing us with tales (and images) of tattoos, evangelism, hoarding, and Deadhead-style conventions... [He] trots out theories to explain (and perhaps justify) this cultish behavior, ultimately leaving us with the question: Are Mac addicts loyal to a brand, or is it more about allegiance to some big Apple community?"
—Village Voice, Nov. 30, 2004 (Full review)

"Yes, you will read about the people with Mac tattoos and haircuts, and the fellow who makes furniture from cardboard Mac boxes, but you will get much more of the 'backstory' behind the soon-to-be-21-year-old Macintosh, its culture and its devotees... Mr. Kahney's informal history of the Mac is interspersed with trivia and delightful details, and intriguing photos, and is wrapped up in an entertaining style. This is a coffee table book that only a geek might love — but it's also one lots of people will enjoy reading."
—Washington Times, Nov. 23, 2004 (Read article)

Leander Kahney is Jon Gordon's guest, broadcast on NPR and PRI stations nationwide
—Future Tense Radio, Nov. 22, 2004 (Hear interview)

Featured on Buzz Bishop's Canadian radio program
—Cyberbuzz Radio, Nov. 22, 2004 (Read review)

"If you're in New York City next week, don't forget to drop by a book publishing party for The Cult Of Mac (No Starch Press, November 2004), a coffee-table tome by Wired writer Leander Kahney, who writes a blog by the same name. The book is a chronicle of the Apple underground that, according to a description on Amazon.com, will let readers 'explore the little-publicized underbelly of Mac culture, including erotic fiction featuring Steve Jobs and the influence of mind-altering drugs on the Mac's famous interface.'"
—Information Week, Nov. 22, 2004 (Read article)

"This is a fun addition to the coffee-table genre, and a neat volume to have laying around next time you have some friends over. If you find the cult of Mac entertaining, keep an eye on author Leander Kahney's Cult of Mac weblog."
—Netsurfer Digest, Nov. 15, 2004 (Full review)

"Of course, we're all nuts about Apple, but Leander Kahney has found some people at the ragged edge of Mac-fandom."
—MacWorld UK, MacExpo bonus issue, November 2004 (Read article)

"It is nice to be reminded why one joins a cult, intentionally or not, and that is what Leander Kahney does with his book the Cult of Mac."—J. Tabor
"The Cult of Mac is a delightful read whether you're a Mac User or not... A very informative and entertaining read, The Cult Of Mac is not to be missed. Get those Christmas lists ready now!"—K. Mavjee
"It's about time we saw a book on the cult of the Mac—especially one as beautiful as the Mac itself."—Karen Renee
—Amazon reviews, November 2004 (Full reviews)

Featured in "Currently Reading" section
—John Kantor, columnist for USA Today (Read more)

"To some extent, Newton loyalty fits into the broader context of Apple loyalty, which is the subject of a new book, 'The Cult of Mac,' by Leander Kahney."
—New York Times, Oct. 31, 2004 (Read article)

"I'm certainly glad this book came out before Christmas. Now I know what I am going to give a couple of my fellow Macaddicts."
—Slashdot, Oct. 29, 2004 (Full review)

"Mac-heads are already a pretty devoted lot, so it's doubtful that the new Leander Kahney tome, The Cult of Mac (No Starch Press, $40), will make 'em any more loyal. But that doesn't mean it's without serious entertainment value. Kahney, who writes the Cult of Mac blog for Wired News, includes 500 pictures of the splendid ways the faithful pay their respects. Who knew there were so many Mac tattoos out there?"
—Village Voice, Oct. 21, 2004 (Full review)

"This book is by the very same Leander Kahney that covers Apple and the Mac community for Wired News. Kahney's Cult of Mag blog has long been a reader favorite, as well as the source of much inspiration and consternation."
—Insanely Great Mac, Oct. 20, 2004

"This account of Macintosh fanaticism will strike a chord with anyone who's ardently defended (or cursed) an operating system... sure to end up on Quadra-based coffee tables everywhere."
—Wired Magazine, October 2004

"This unique coffee table book is not only a must for any Mac fan, it also makes fascinating reading for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and popular culture, or discovering the unique people who live their lives by Apple's 'Think Different motto."
—Corporate Media News and AEC Newsroom, Sept. 9, 2004

"Meet Leander Kahney, the man behind Cult of Mac"
—The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW), W Hotel Westwood engagement, Jan. 17, 2005 (Read more)

"O'Reilly Media set up shop to promote some of its Mac-centric books, including The Cult of Mac."
—CNET, "Scenes from Macworld" photo collection, Jan. 12, 2005 (Read more)

"Openly celebrates the lives of Apple's evangelistic, obsessive, demanding, and, most of all, loyal fans, who would just as soon shave an Apple logo on their head as look at you."
—Harvard Business School Working Knowledge, Jan. 10, 2005 (Full review)

"Owning it will make you call out to officemates who love Macs, 'Hey, get a load of this!'"
—Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 10, 2005

"Leander Kahney, author of the new book, The Cult of Mac, about the clannish Apple community and its passionate devotion to the computer, predicts an iPod backlash from the Mac faithful."
—San Jose Mercury News, "IPodopolis," Jan. 10, 2005 (Read article)

Leander Kahney is interviewed on popular San Francisco morning show
—KFOG radio Jan. 10, 2005 (Read more)

"Journalist Leander Kahney has made much of Macintosh fanaticism in recent years. His interest in the subject has spawned a column at Wired News, a blog and now a book: The Cult of Mac."
—The Manchester Guardian (UK), "Mad for Macs, Jan. 6, 2005 (Read article)

Leander Kahney talks about how Apple is suing websites for leaking news
—Om Malik on Broadband, Business 2.0 writer's blog, Jan. 5, 2005 (Read more)

"The Cult of Mac, an enduring and idiosyncratic history of, and love song to the all things Apple and sung in an enthusiastic chorus by the Mac community."
—Outsideleft, "Obsessives Like Me?" (Full review)

"Three weeks after its October 2004 release, The Cult of Mac, from technology publisher No Starch Press, returned to press after selling out its 10,000-copy first printing."
—Publisher's Weekly, Jan. 3, 2005 (Read article)

"One of those books that Macaholics and Macheads will read and savor and Windows users will not ever understand."
—Bay Area Mac Users' Group of West Central Florida, January 2005 (Full review)

"I think you can get The Cult of Mac even if you don't use one. Perhaps not. I'm not a member of the cult. But I have used a Mac, and I've even authorized purchases of cubes for folks working for me. But this book is fun, even for a guy like me."
—UNIX Review, January 2005 (Full review)

Q&A session with Leander Kahney posted online and distributed via email newsletter
—OutsideLeft, "At the Sermon on the MacMount and Elsewhere", January 2005 (Read more)

"We challenge you to open to any photo-filled page in long-time Mac observer Leander Kahney's 268-page exaltation of the Mac community and not learn something new about the Mac's history or the creativity of its fanatical devotees."
—MacAddict, January 2005

"...a must read and have reference book."
—Netdiver, "What's New" section, January 2005 (Full review)

4.5/5 Stars: "I was hooked on the book from its introductory pages and was disappointed when I had to put it down to get on with my life—you know, sleep, eat, and get on with other responsibilities."
—MacCompanion, January 2005 (Full review)

"An intriguing, lively discourse"
—Midwest Book Review, January 2005 (Full review)

Named best book of 2004 for Mac users
—The Designer's Bookshelf, January 2005 (Read article)

"If you are a Mac cultist, or know one that you'd like to understand better, this is a very entertaining read."
—Blogcritics, Dec. 29, 2004 (Full review)

"This is without a doubt one of the very best books about the Macintosh to have been published for many years."
—Apple Lust, Dec. 23, 2004 (Full review)

"The innumerable subjects Kahney covers makes the book equivalent to a 30-course banquet at the Ritz. Absolutely everything that a Mac-fanatic could want is in here."
—The Inquirer, Dec. 22, 2004 (Full review)

"I am not a Mac addict like the people found in Leander Kahney's new book, The Cult of Mac (No Starch Press), but I am a recreational user and I can relate to the Mac addict's plight."
—Papermag, Dec. 21, 2004 (Full review)

The Cult of Mac is recommended to "Last-Second Santas" on SignOn San Diego and is among the last-minute holiday gift ideas presented on Canadian program Cyberbuzz TV
—December 2004

"Even non-Mac owners have been known to covet Apple's hardware... Is it the pull of the online Mac community? 'It's definitely an aspect. Consumer behaviourists have even recognised the lure of Apple's marketing and products. Critics may argue that the community of Apple users seems alienated, but there seem to be genuine bonds of friendship.' said Kahney."
—MicroMart, British computer magazine feature on obsession with Mac brand, Dec. 17, 2004 (Read article)

"Apple's products look great... You want to touch them, feel them, caress them."
—Network Life, "A Mac Convert," Dec. 15, 2005 (Read article)

"The whole book is basically as crisp and striking as the cover... You can be amused, surprised, impressed, even overwhelmed, by all of the visual data in the book."
—Poor Mojo Newswire Dec. 15, 2004 (Read more)

"The Cult of Mac, recently released by No Starch Press, illustrates a culture of Apple Computer devotees still very alive."
—CNET, "The art of being a Mac fan" photo spread, Dec. 14, 2004 (See more)

"It's the ultimate Mac-lover's coffee table book. (Have you ever heard anyone claiming such affection and loyalty to Windows?)"
—Business In Vancouver, "Have a Techie Christmas," Dec. 14, 2004 (Read article)

Featured in a collection of reader-submitted gift ideas
—MSNBC, Dec. 14, 2004 (Read article)

"Perhaps all the Apple buzz is a guerrilla marketing campaign to sell The Cult of Mac, a coffee-table book released in November by Wired scribe Leander Kahney."
—Seattle Times, Dec. 13, 2004 (Read article)

"Kahney embarked on his journey to chronicle the weird world of Mac addicts last year, and I think he nailed it. If you have iPod-clutching, Macintosh-using, Woz-loving, Newton-worshiping cultists in your circle of friends, get 'em this book. But even if you you're not a HyperCard-carrying member of the club, the book is worth a look. Kahney has uncovered some real characters on the scene."
—San Francisco Chronicle, Dec. 12, 2004 (Read article)

"If your favorite Mac geek has every Mac-related doodad and you have no clue what he would need, try the compelling new book The Cult of Mac."
—San Antonio Express-News, Dec. 12, 2004 (Read article)

"Hardcover coffee-table book that you'll keep looking through even when your coffee table's too crowded for books."
—Syracuse Post-Standard, "Gift ideas for your favorite Mac fan," Dec. 12, 2004 (Read article)

Leander Kahney is interviewed by Scott Sheppard
—Mac Radio, Dec. 11, 2004 (Hear interview)

"The Cult of Mac is sure to warm the heart of your beloved Mac user. It's a fun read."
—Houston Chronicle, Dec. 7, 2004 (Read article)

"The book not only explores the history of Apple Computer products, but also the people who love them, or are obsessed by them. The book is packed with images and art, from Apple-theme digital art to pictures of Mac-related tattoos. It will bring a fruity twist to any coffee table."
—Arkansas Democrat-Review holiday guide, Dec. 5, 2004 (Read article)

"This book knocks me out... such a fun read that I'd recommend it to anyone."
—Alaskan Apple Users Group, Dec. 4, 2004 (Full review)

Leander Kahney is interviewed by Gene Steinberg, "Mac author and columnist extraordinaire"
—Mac Radio, Dec. 2, 2004 (Hear interview)

"Brimming with more than 500 color photos, this fun book won't stay on the shelves long."
—Library Journal, starred review, December 2004

Hot Review: "A fun book, one that any self-respecting Mac addict will delight in receiving as a present, and displaying on the coffee table. That is, if they can keep wiping the drool off the pages."
—MacNN, December 2004 (Full review)

"A must-have for the True Mac user. For the rest, a little taste of what you've been missing out on for the last twenty years." —Eric Wuehler
—Amazon review December 2004

5/5 Rating: "This is a wonderful book to look at and read. Many of the stories are captivating, and made me want to look up more information online of the people he writes about in the book... Written with detail in mind, The Cult of Mac is a large and ambitious project that was put together with loving care by the author."
—MyMac.com, December 2004 (Full review)

"Kahney crawls into every crevice where Mac addicts lurk, providing us with tales (and images) of tattoos, evangelism, hoarding, and Deadhead-style conventions... [He] trots out theories to explain (and perhaps justify) this cultish behavior, ultimately leaving us with the question: Are Mac addicts loyal to a brand, or is it more about allegiance to some big Apple community?"
—Village Voice, Nov. 30, 2004 (Full review)

"Yes, you will read about the people with Mac tattoos and haircuts, and the fellow who makes furniture from cardboard Mac boxes, but you will get much more of the 'backstory' behind the soon-to-be-21-year-old Macintosh, its culture and its devotees... Mr. Kahney's informal history of the Mac is interspersed with trivia and delightful details, and intriguing photos, and is wrapped up in an entertaining style. This is a coffee table book that only a geek might love — but it's also one lots of people will enjoy reading."
—Washington Times, Nov. 23, 2004 (Read article)

Leander Kahney is Jon Gordon's guest, broadcast on NPR and PRI stations nationwide
—Future Tense Radio, Nov. 22, 2004 (Hear interview)

Featured on Buzz Bishop's Canadian radio program
—Cyberbuzz Radio, Nov. 22, 2004 (Read review)

"If you're in New York City next week, don't forget to drop by a book publishing party for The Cult Of Mac (No Starch Press, November 2004), a coffee-table tome by Wired writer Leander Kahney, who writes a blog by the same name. The book is a chronicle of the Apple underground that, according to a description on Amazon.com, will let readers 'explore the little-publicized underbelly of Mac culture, including erotic fiction featuring Steve Jobs and the influence of mind-altering drugs on the Mac's famous interface.'"
—Information Week, Nov. 22, 2004 (Read article)

"This is a fun addition to the coffee-table genre, and a neat volume to have laying around next time you have some friends over. If you find the cult of Mac entertaining, keep an eye on author Leander Kahney's Cult of Mac weblog."
—Netsurfer Digest, Nov. 15, 2004 (Full review)

"Of course, we're all nuts about Apple, but Leander Kahney has found some people at the ragged edge of Mac-fandom."
—MacWorld UK, MacExpo bonus issue, November 2004 (Read article)

"It is nice to be reminded why one joins a cult, intentionally or not, and that is what Leander Kahney does with his book the Cult of Mac."—J. Tabor
"The Cult of Mac is a delightful read whether you're a Mac User or not... A very informative and entertaining read, The Cult Of Mac is not to be missed. Get those Christmas lists ready now!"—K. Mavjee
"It's about time we saw a book on the cult of the Mac—especially one as beautiful as the Mac itself."—Karen Renee
—Amazon reviews, November 2004 (Full reviews)

Featured in "Currently Reading" section
—John Kantor, columnist for USA Today (Read more)

"To some extent, Newton loyalty fits into the broader context of Apple loyalty, which is the subject of a new book, 'The Cult of Mac,' by Leander Kahney."
—New York Times, Oct. 31, 2004 (Read article)

"I'm certainly glad this book came out before Christmas. Now I know what I am going to give a couple of my fellow Macaddicts."
—Slashdot, Oct. 29, 2004 (Full review)

"Mac-heads are already a pretty devoted lot, so it's doubtful that the new Leander Kahney tome, The Cult of Mac (No Starch Press, $40), will make 'em any more loyal. But that doesn't mean it's without serious entertainment value. Kahney, who writes the Cult of Mac blog for Wired News, includes 500 pictures of the splendid ways the faithful pay their respects. Who knew there were so many Mac tattoos out there?"
—Village Voice, Oct. 21, 2004 (Full review)

"This book is by the very same Leander Kahney that covers Apple and the Mac community for Wired News. Kahney's Cult of Mag blog has long been a reader favorite, as well as the source of much inspiration and consternation."
—Insanely Great Mac, Oct. 20, 2004

"This account of Macintosh fanaticism will strike a chord with anyone who's ardently defended (or cursed) an operating system... sure to end up on Quadra-based coffee tables everywhere."
—Wired Magazine, October 2004

"This unique coffee table book is not only a must for any Mac fan, it also makes fascinating reading for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and popular culture, or discovering the unique people who live their lives by Apple's 'Think Different motto."
—Corporate Media News and AEC Newsroom, Sept. 9, 2004