History

The History of Java Technology
Official page from Sub about the history of Java, including a timeline and video of interviews with some of the original developers.
http://www.java.com/en/javahistory/

Java: Cornerstone of the Global Network Enterprise?
Brian Youman's paper on Java including some historical notes: "Java: Cornerstone of the Global Network Enterprise?"
http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~history/Youmans.Java.html

Java Technology: The Early Years
Feature article about the early development of the language. <small>(May, 1998)</small>
http://java.sun.com/features/1998/05/birthday.html