Getting to Know Semiconductors
M. E. Levinshteĭn, G. Simin, John M. Worlock · Physics Today · 1993
Part 1 The history of electricity and semiconductors from ancient Greece up till the invention of the first transistor. Part 2 The main properties of semiconductors. Part 3 Simple semiconductor devices - thermoresistors, photoconductors strain gauges, Hall sensors, Gunn devices.