{"product_id":"the-history-of-computing-a-very-short-introduction-paperback","title":"The History of Computing: A Very Short Introduction - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eDoron Swade\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eVery Short Introductions\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis lively \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introduction\u003c\/em\u003e reviews the central events, machines, and people that feature in established accounts of the history of computing, critically examining received perceptions and providing a fresh look at the nature and development of the modern electronic computer. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe book begins by discussing a widely accepted linear narrative of the history of computing, centred around innovatory highlights that start with the use of knotted cords to aid calculation, all the way to the smartphones of the present day. It discusses the problems and simplifications present in such a narrative, and offers instead an account, centred on users, that identifies four distinct historical threads: calculation, automatic computing, information management, and communication. These threads are examined individually, tracing their paths and the convergences of related technologies into what has come to be called 'the information age'. \u003cbr\u003eABOUT THE SERIES: The \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introduction\u003c\/em\u003e series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDoron Swade, \u003cem\u003eHonorary Fellow, Royal Holloway, University of London\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eDoron Swade\u003c\/b\u003e is an engineer, a historian, and a museum professional. He was Curator of Computing at the London Science Museum (1985-1999), and Assistant Director and Head of Collections there (1999-2003). He is a leading authority on computer pioneer Charles Babbage, and masterminded the construction of Babbage's Difference Engine No. 2 built to original 19th-century designs. He was formerly Visiting Professor at Royal College of Art, and Guest Curator at the Computer History Museum, California (2006-2008). He has published widely on curatorship, Babbage, and the history of computing, and his books include \u003cem\u003eThe Dream Machine: Exploring the Computer Age\u003c\/em\u003e (1991, with Jon Palfreman) and \u003cem\u003eThe Cogwheel Brain: Charles Babbage and the Quest to Build the First Computer\u003c\/em\u003e (2001).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 160\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.34 x 6.81 x 4.44 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e November 25, 2022\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47392178176178,"sku":"9780198831754","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/3891\/1666\/files\/b7c5ed3f236879e74517b6713e05fe0b.webp?v=1777957310","url":"https:\/\/box.dadyminds.org\/products\/the-history-of-computing-a-very-short-introduction-paperback","provider":"DADYMINDS BOX","version":"1.0","type":"link"}