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In the months leading up to Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s phone business, the two companies approached Shoreditch-based media company TCOLondon to secretly build a unique book for the nearly 20,000 Nokia employees set to join Microsoft. The 128-page book was edited and illustrated in London before being printed and shipped to employees in more than 90 cities in 53 countries.

It’s a celebration of the rich history that Nokia and Microsoft both share, including etchings of Nokia’s origins in a paper mill in Finland and Microsoft’s roots in New Mexico. Illustrations range from the first-ever GSM call to surgeons using the Kinect sensor for operations. Nokia and Microsoft approached TCOLondon in mid-December, with the original plan to have the book ready and finished for February 1st. A later-than-expected acquisition meant the book was delivered to employees at the deal closure in late April. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even visited Finland to present a copy of the “One” book to Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. Here are some of the many illustrations inside the 128 pages.

Grid View The history of Nokia and Microsoft in one image.

The 128-page 'One' book is designed to celebrate Nokia's phone business joining Microsoft.

A history of firsts from both Nokia and Microsoft are illustrated in detail.

The world's first GSM call, made on a Nokia handset in 1991.

Celebrating Nokia's Finnish roots with backpacks and mountains.

Microsoft's original vision: a computer on every desk and in every home.

Surgeons using a Kinect sensor, something Microsoft celebrated in its Super Bowl ad.

Nokia's first handheld phone was the Mobira Cityman. It was nicknamed The Gorba after Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was pictured using it.

Some of the many illustrations in the book, capturing the history of both companies.







