Hacker News Reader

Comment by MarsAscendant | Hacker News Reader

Systemantics, the book the article is based on, sounds like a good addition to a system designer's library.

Any reviews from people who've read it?

I've read it, and own a copy. It's very good. There are bits you can argue with, and some of the examples used (like the one cited here) are a little too just-so, but it is absolutely a book that will make you think. And it's funny too, which is nice.

(If you want to pick it up, be aware that in its most current printing the title changed from Systemantics to The Systems Bible: https://www.amazon.com/Systems-Bible-Beginners-Guide-Large/d...)

It’s an extremely good book. Not only useful to a system designer, but anyone who ever interacts with bureaucracies, or who works in organizations with more than ten people.

I concur - "Systemantics" (now "The Systems Bible") is an excellent book. I had a boss turn me onto it in the 1980s, and to this day I still quote from it, and re-read it about once a decade just to keep the lessons fresh.

It is a great book.

Thank you.

It is a really good book (apart from the exception I had with the Aswan Dam section). Concise and funny. Something you want on your reference shelf when studying systems.