Turing and the Computer by Paul Strathern

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  • Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
  • Pub. Date: April 1999
  • ISBN-13: 9780385492430
  • Sales Rank: 205,110
  • 112pp
  • Series: Big Idea Series
  • Edition Description: 1 ANCHOR
 
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Synopsis

Turing and the Computer offers an encapsulation of the groundwork that led to the invention of the computer as we know it and an absorbing account of the man who helped develop it. Eccentric and principled, Alan Turing would lay aside a brilliant career in mathematics to serve his country by breaking German codes during the Second World War. Openly homosexual, he would later be put on trial on indecency charges and forced to undergo hormone treatments that wrecked his body and his spirit. But the modern machine he helped create lives on. Just a few of the big ideas included in this riveting book are how Turing mapped out the theory of computers before a single computer had been conceived, how Turing's Colossus broke the German Enigma codes, and Turing's proof of the existence of artificial intelligence.

Booknews

Offers an encapsulation of the groundwork that led to the invention of the computer as we know it, as well as an account of the eccentric and principled Turing, who set aside a brilliant career in mathematics to serve his country by breaking German codes during World War II (he was later put on trial on indecency charges and forced to undergo hormone treatments). Some of the topics covered include how Turing mapped out the theory of computers before a single computer had been conceived, how his Collossus broke the German Enigma codes, and his proof of the existence of artificial intelligence. No index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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Turing and the Computerby Anonymous

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July 16, 2001: A neat little introduction to the birth of the computer and one of the men who was instrumental in its development. After providing the reader with a brief history of the development of the computer; the author sketches some highlights of Turing's life: Cambridge days, development of the theory of computers, breaking the Germany Military Enigma Code which hastened the end of WW II, and Turing's ground breaking work on artificial intelligence. Finally, the author portrays Turing's arrest and trial for homosexuality which subsequently led to his suicide. If you are looking for a succinct introduction to one of the most brilliant but misunderstood geniuses of the 20th century, read this book.