Description
Temporarily out of stock
Title: Turing’s Cathedral: The Origins of the Digital Universe
Author: DYSON GEORGE
Format: PAPERBACK
Publication date: 24/04/2013
Imprint: PENGUIN
Price: $28.00
Publishing status: Active
How did computers take over the world? This is the story of how the PC, ipod, smartphone and almost every aspect of modern life came into being.
In 1945 a small group of brilliant engineers and mathematicians gathered at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, determined to build a computer that would make Alan Turing’s theory of a ‘universal machine’ reality. Led by the polymath émigré John von Neumann, they created the numerical framework that underpins almost all modern computing – and ensured that the world would never be the same again.
‘Intensely human . . . a gripping account of ideas and invention.’ Jenny Uglow, Sunday Express
‘Hair-on-neck-standing-up inspiring.’ Cory Doctorow
‘Glorious . . . as much a story of the personalities involved as of the discoveries they made, and you do not need any knowledge of computers or mathematics to enjoy the ride . . . a ripping yarn.’ John Gribbin, Literary Review
‘Riveting . . . conveys the electrifying sense of possibility that the first computers unleashed . . . a page-turner.’ New Scientist
‘Brings to life a myriad cast of extraordinary characters, each of whom contributed to ushering in today’s digital age.’ Daily Telegraph
‘An engrossing and well-researched book that recounts an important chapter in the history of 20th-century computing.’ Evgeny Morozov, Observer
ISBN: 9780141015903
Pages: 432