The Universal History of Computing: From the Abacus to the Quantum Computer: From the Abacus to the Quantum Computer 1st Edition by Georges Ifrah (PDF)

Description

A fascinating compendium of information about writing systems–both for words and numbers. –Publishers Weekly “A truly enlightening and fascinating study for the mathematically oriented reader.” –Booklist”Well researched. . . . This book is a rich resource for those involved in researching the history of computers.” –The Mathematics TeacherIn this brilliant follow-up to his landmark international bestseller, The Universal History of Numbers, Georges Ifrah traces the development of computing from the invention of the abacus to the creation of the binary system three centuries ago to the incredible conceptual, scientific, and technical achievements that made the first modern computers possible. Ifrah takes us along as he visits mathematicians, visionaries, philosophers, and scholars from every corner of the world and every period of history. We learn about the births of the pocket calculator, the adding machine, the cash register, and even automata. We find out how the origins of the computer can be found in the European Renaissance, along with how World War II influenced the development of analytical calculation. And we explore such hot topics as numerical codes and the recent discovery of new kinds of number systems, such as “surreal” numbers.Adventurous and enthralling, The Universal History of Computing is an astonishing achievement that not only unravels the epic tale of computing, but also tells the compelling story of human intelligence–and how much further we still have to go.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I’ve said for many years that, if I could afford the school and probable lack of gainful employment, I would advance my degree and study the history of computers. I do not think there is much calling for this field. However, this book has done most of the work for me.I adore the way the author begins his exposition: he spends time on early types of counting, the evolution of numeral systems, the creation of the zero, and early devices before and after the abacus. He continues into mechanical devices, fascinating me throughout.The only con (minus such a small amount the my rating still rounds to 5!): it’s a little dry.That doesn’t bother me, however, as the author’s writes in a clear, coherent manner with the subject matter expertly researched, explored, and elucidated. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the history of computing, how numbers and counting evolved, and/or the history of actual “computers”–the people who compute and ultimately invent the computers that compute for us.

⭐I would have expected from the title that this book might have started in the 1940s (or at the earliest with Babbage and the Difference Engine) and told the story of the development of computers from there. No, as the subtitle indicates, this book goes way back. In fact, the first section is a summary of number systems going back to the age of the Egyptians and before. It’s a very methodical and somewhat dry tale, not helped by being translated from the French by translators who feel compelled to insert their own comments at intervals.When it does get going, it provides a history of the relevant mathematics as well as automata from the Islamic era forward. The actual computer era is touched on mostly in its early stages, with the first computers of the forties and fifties. And it concludes with about sixty pages that have nothing to do with history but rather attempt to define key words such as “information” and “computer.”All in all, it is a methodical and thorough book, perhaps a little dry but not as much as some books I have read. The author muses on the implications of various stages of discovery rather than simply relating the facts (and the translators chime in as well), which enlivens the story. Still, this book is probably for the more interested rather than the casual reader.

⭐if you’re the kind of person who gains a lot from understanding how something came about, you’ll love this. the first like 60 pages just depict different number systems over time…after that it get’s prettycool i’m halfway donebut definitely like what im reading.mine arrived in good enough condition to give it a 5/5

⭐The Universal History of Computing is the one book you should have if you want to follow the development of computers over the years. Some of the early technology surprised me as to what could be achieved a couple hundred years ago. Actually, I wanted a more concise glance at computer history. This book goes far beyond that.

⭐This is simply a must read for anyone who is interested in numerical literacy!Indispensable and should be required curriculum for anyone who teaches who wishes to think of themselves as versed in the arts and letters.

⭐Great, thanks!

⭐If you have been looking for a more academic approach to the history of computing then this is the book for you.The book is divided into three parts. Part One contains a very comprehensive taxonomy/chronology showing the evolution of human number systems.Part Two is where you will find the core “History of Computing” bit: tables, logarithms, analogue/digital, mechanical calculators, automatic calculation, electronic machines etc. It also includes an interleaved, and detailed, explanation of how computing has evolved from basic number crunching into abstract information processing.Part Three reads like a long philosophical conclusion and contains some excellent material on ethics and artificial intelligence.

⭐This book is a total failure. The author tries to treat computing in a philosophical context. In so doing, he uses 200 words where others would use 20. The result is gibberish and tiresome – and with very far between point of enlightment. Furthermore, if judged upon this book, 90% of all mathematicians in history were French. Even the most distant French connection to the subject is mentioned while only the most unavoidable names from outside France is included. This book is a waste – don’t go there…

⭐Cette histoire commence avant que les ordinateurs soient concus et réalisés. La genèse des idées est plus longue qu’on ne le croit. L’aventure a débuté il y a longtemps et pourtant nous n’en sommes qu’au début

⭐

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