The Case of Alan Turing: The Extraordinary and Tragic Story of the Legendary Codebreaker - Hardcover

Eric Liberge; David Homel; Arnaud Delalande

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1551526506 ISBN 13: 9781551526508

Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press, 2016

Synopsis

A CODED EXISTENCE, BROUGHT TO LIFE

Alan Turing is now widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds - but for decades his achievements were overshadowed by his private life. This new graphic biography seeks to redress the balance with a detailed retelling of his extraordinary life.

Alan Turing, subject of the Oscar-winning 2014 film The Imitation Game (Black Bear, 2014), was the brilliant mathematician solicited by the British government to help decipher messages sent by Germany's Enigma machines during World War II. The work of Turing and his colleagues at Hut 8 created what became known as the 'bombe' which descrambled the German navy's messages and saved countless lives.

Despite his heroics, however, Turing led a secret life as a homosexual; haunted by the accidental death of a young love, he got briefly engaged to Joan Clarke, a fellow cryptanalyst, until he told her the truth. After a young man with whom he was involved stole money from him, he went to the police, where he confessed his homosexuality; he was charged with gross indecency, and only avoided prison after agreeing to undergo chemical castration. Tragically, he committed suicide two years later, by ingesting cyanide through a poisoned apple.

The particulars of Turing's achievements were only made known in 2012, following the release of once-classified papers. Authors Liberge and Delalande used this information to create a biography that is scientifically rigorous yet understandable for the lay reader. It's also a meticulous depiction of World War II and an intimate portrayal of a gay man living in an intolerant world. Delving deep into Turing's life, this graphic novel is a fascinating portrait of a brilliant, complicated and troubled man.

About this title

About the Author

Eric Liberge has authored or co-authored over thirty graphic novels in his native France, including books on Versailles and World War II, as well as numerous books in the fantasy genre. Arnaud Delalande is the author of nine novels as well as numerous graphic novels in France. His prizes include le Prix du Roman d'Evasion, Prix Charles-Oulmont de la Fondation de France and le Prix Jean d'Heurs du Roman historique. David Homel is a writer, journalist, filmmaker and translator. His most recent novel is The Fledgings (Cormorant Books). He has translated many French-language books, and is a two-time Governor General's Literary Award winner.

Edition details

• Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1551526506
• ISBN 13: 9781551526508
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 112