The Universal History of Computing (From the Abacus to the Quantum Computer)

"A fascinating compendium of information about writingsystems–both for words and numbers."
–Publishers Weekly

"A truly enlightening and fascinating study for themathematically oriented reader."
–Booklist

"Well researched. . . . This book is a rich resource for thoseinvolved in researching the history of computers."
–The Mathematics Teacher

In this brilliant follow-up to his landmark internationalbestseller, The Universal History of Numbers, Georges Ifrah tracesthe development of computing from the invention of the abacus tothe creation of the binary system three centuries ago to theincredible conceptual, scientific, and technical achievements thatmade the first modern computers possible. Ifrah takes us along ashe visits mathematicians, visionaries, philosophers, and scholarsfrom every corner of the world and every period of history. Welearn about the births of the pocket calculator, the addingmachine, the cash register, and even automata. We find out how theorigins of the computer can be found in the European Renaissance,along with how World War II influenced the development ofanalytical calculation. And we explore such hot topics as numericalcodes and the recent discovery of new kinds of number systems, suchas "surreal" numbers.

Adventurous and enthralling, The Universal History of Computingis an astonishing achievement that not only unravels the epic taleof computing, but also tells the compelling story of humanintelligence–and how much further we still have to go.

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