Underground: Hacking, madness and obsession on the electronic frontier

"Underground: Hacking, madness and obsession on the electronic frontier" by Suelette Dreyfus is a non-fiction account written in the late 20th century. The book investigates the lives and motivations of hackers, chronicling their adventures in the computer underground, a world marked by both creativity and chaos. Through a series of interconnected narratives, it delves into the psychology behind hacking, exploring themes of rebellion, obsession, and the pursuit of knowledge. The opening of "Underground" sets the stage for a deep exploration of the hacker community and the ethical complexities surrounding this subculture. In the preface, Dreyfus reflects on her inspiration for writing the book, drawing parallels between her great aunt's underwater exploration and her own journey into the digital underworld. She introduces the reader to the mindset of hackers, revealing that each individual has a unique story shaped by personal experiences, mental health issues, and a sometimes tumultuous relationship with authority. The introduction highlights the significance of individual narratives, with a focus on hackers' handles, which reflect their identities in the online realm. Overall, the beginning establishes a foundation for understanding the multifaceted world of hacking, setting up the readers for a deep dive into the lives of its enigmatic characters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Suelette Dreyfus is an Australian technology researcher, journalist, and academic. She is a lecturer in the Department of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne, as well as the principal researcher on the impact of digital technologies on whistleblowing as a form of freedom of expression. Her research includes information systems, digital security, privacy, and the impact of technology on whistleblowing, health informatics and e-education.