Smith, Andrew

Andrew Smith, born February 10, 1961, is an American-born journalist and nonfiction author currently residing in New York. His writing career has spanned various subjects, often delving into significant cultural and technological moments.

Smith is recognized for his book "Totally Wired: on the Trail of the Great Dotcom Swindle," which chronicles the early days of the World Wide Web and the dotcom bubble through the lens of Josh Harris's involvement. Another notable work, "Moondust: In Search of the Men Who Fell to Earth," sees Smith journeying across the United States to connect with the nine surviving American astronauts who walked on the Moon. His more recent publication, "Devil in the Stack: Searching for the Soul of the New Machine," was released in 2024.

In addition to his books, Smith has produced documentaries for BBC Four. These include "Being Neil Armstrong," an exploration of the first man on the Moon's personal history, and "To Kill a Mockingbird at 50," which examines the evolution of Monroeville, Alabama, the setting for Harper Lee's renowned novel.

Andrew Smith has explored the burgeoning digital age in his writing, most notably in "Totally Wired: on the Trail of the Great Dotcom Swindle." This work focuses on the foundational period of the World Wide Web and the subsequent dotcom economic boom that characterized New York at the close of the 1990s. The book specifically examines the pivotal role played by Josh Harris during this transformative era. Smith's recent book, "Devil in the Stack: Searching for the Soul of the New Machine" (2024), continues his engagement with the evolving landscape of technology and its deeper implications.

Beyond technology, Smith has undertaken significant projects investigating human achievement and cultural touchstones. His book "Moondust: In Search of the Men Who Fell to Earth" is a testament to this, involving extensive travel across the United States to meet and document the experiences of the nine surviving astronauts who physically set foot on the Moon between 1969 and 1972. Furthermore, Smith's documentary work for BBC Four includes "Being Neil Armstrong," which retraces the life and history of the first man to walk on the Moon. He also produced "To Kill a Mockingbird at 50," a documentary reflecting on the changes in Monroeville, Alabama, since it served as the backdrop for Harper Lee's iconic novel.