MAX: The book wherein the author coined the term "Metaverse" is also the inspiration for Second Life and other virtual worlds. A wonderful read full of stark imagery and fascinating postulations about the possibilities of technology and society.

MAX: Far and away one of my all-time favorites. This book, upon which the famed motion picture "Blade Runner" was based, raises some very interesting questions about what constitutes a human being and what happens when we use technology to be "more human than human." It has influenced countless works of science fiction in all forms of media.

MAX: In many ways, virtual reality is an intensified version of reality as you might have known it. Being a Metaversal Industrialist requires a recognition of the power of people, a commitment to the community of which you are a part, and a vision to make things better than you found them. This book has been a huge influence on me and the guiding philosophies of Max March Industries. It should be the guide of all companies in all realities.

MAX: A riveting introduction to the world where every story gets told and every brand gets sold across multiple media platforms. One of my favorite media analysts explores the cultural impact of Convergence and the struggle between old and new regimes emerging from this paradigmatic shift. Convergence changes the way we do business, communicate, elect our leaders, educate our children, consume goods and services, and ultimately define ourselves individually and as a society.

MAX: A very nice primer on what SL is all about. Includes a CD-ROM with some useful freebies. Second Life advances so quickly it is already in need of a new edition. That said, this book is a great resource to get you started in the brave new world.

MAX: Wagner James Au (known in SL as "Embedded Reporter, Hamlet Au") explores the long, implausible road behind Second Life's inception and early success. He then looks at the road ahead where many believe that user-created virtual worlds will become the Net's next generation and the fulcrum for a revolution. Narrated from both within the corporate offices of Linden Lab and from within Second Life itself, Au reveals the fascinating, outrageous, brilliant, and aggravating personalities pioneering this new frontier.

MAX: I was able to meet this author through our membership in ENTERMETA. He is the creator of the renowned TED (Technology Entertainment Design) Conferences. In this sequel to his cult classic, Wurman describes the age-old problem of information overload and proposes fascinating new ways to "transform information into structured knowledge."

MAX: From the author who coined the term "Cyberspace" this book is credited with starting the cyberpunk movement. Neuromancer paints a vivid image of VR in a bionic society that blurs the line between physicality and virtuality.

MAX: What are the ramifications of defining your Second Life and acknowledging your divine impulse to be a creator? Anyone who has spent a significant time living as part of a virtual world soon finds the edges blurring between the different symbols we create to define a public image and the often elusive true spiritual self - the witness (as Dr. Chopra aptly puts it) - that is really the one calling the shots. This is the finest work I have found for integrating your place in the universe, the metaverse, and all the other places you have avatars of yourself running around. This item is also available as a fantastic audiobook read by the author himself.