Praised as a captivating compilation of information on writing systems, encompassing both words and numbers, The Universal History of Computing receives acclaim from Publishers Weekly. Booklist deems it a truly enlightening and fascinating study for readers inclined toward mathematics. Described as well-researched, the book is recognized as a valuable resource for those delving into the history of computers by The Mathematics Teacher.
In this remarkable sequel to his international bestseller, The Universal History of Numbers, Georges Ifrah traces the evolution of computing from the abacus to the binary system’s invention three centuries ago. Exploring the conceptual, scientific, and technical milestones leading to the first modern computers, Ifrah engages readers with tales of mathematicians, visionaries, philosophers, and scholars worldwide and throughout history. The narrative spans the birth of calculators, adding machines, cash registers, and automata, while revealing the European Renaissance’s role in the origins of computers and the impact of World War II on analytical calculation development. The book delves into fascinating topics like numerical codes and the recent discovery of unconventional number systems, such as “surreal” numbers. An adventure in itself, The Universal History of Computing not only unveils the epic narrative of computing but also narrates the compelling story of human intelligence and the ongoing journey ahead.
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See also
- Software Exorcism: A Handbook for Debugging and Optimizing Legacy Code by Bill Blunden (2003)
- Hormones and the Endocrine System: Textbook of Endocrinology by Bernhard Kleine (2016)
- Genetics: A Conceptual Approach 6e by Benjamin A. Pierce (2017)
- A Functional Approach to Java by Ben Weidig (2022)
- Calculus of variations and optimal control by Amol Sasan (2005)