Pebbles to Computers : The Thread
Hans Blohm; Stafford Beer
Sold by Barnaby, Oxford, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 22 January 2015
Used - Hardcover
Condition: Used - Good
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Barnaby, Oxford, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 22 January 2015
Condition: Used - Good
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketAn excellent copy in great condition. Dust jacket is fully intact, only lightly rubbed at edges. All pages clean, crisp and fresh. Publisher's note: This book is about the connexions that link and pattern the story of humanity's attempt to understand its experience. If we could not organise our perceptions so as to interpret them, then our cosmos would seem to be random and meaningless. The need to organise and analyse is one of the characteristics that make us human. Our responses to that need make up the history of thought. The story of computation, from the earliest use of pebbles to the most sophisticated modern circuits, is one of the central themes in the story of human endeavour, but this book is more than a history. Here the insights of the artist, the philosopher and the scientist are brought together in a unique conjunction. Like a prismatic lens they reveal colours and planes that are otherwise hidden from sight. -- from dust jacket. Size: 21.6 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm. 112 pp. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilo. Category: Computers & Internet; Computers History; ISBN: 0195405366. ISBN/EAN: 9780195405361. Add. Inventory No: 241007GAY0236022.
Seller Inventory # 241007GAY0236022
Using an exciting synthesis of text and pictures, photographer Hans Blohm and scientist Stafford Beers present a graphic exploration of the connections between prehistoric and antique technologies and those of our modern world. In this inventive book, a Byzantine sun-dial and a modern satellite signal receiver are among the many images that have been chosen to show the 'thread' connecting our efforts down the ages to use and record information. The story of computation emerges as the central theme. By tracing its development from the earliest use of pebbles through the abacus, the slide rule and finally to the most sophisticated modern circuits, the authors present a convincing argument that 'high tech' does indeed go back to the dawn of time. Blohm and Beers have travelled from Stonehenge to the Pyramid of the Sun in Mexico, marvelled over Leonardo's inventions in Milan and examined Leibniz's calculator in Hanover in their search for evidence of the patterns of human invention. They isolate some critical issues in the development of technology, such as the reproduction of written language, and cover many of the outstanding names: Archimedes, Caxton, Pascal, Babbage and Turing among others. With an introduction by renowned zoologist David Suzuki, Pebbles to Computers is a remarkable testament to the depth and richness of humanity's technological achievements.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Prompt payment is required (3-5 business days). Will accept returns if initiated up to 30 days after estimated delivery date. For deliveries outside the UK, the buyer is reponsible for any import duties, charges and taxes unless otherwise stated. Any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Barnaby Price
211 Iffley Road
Oxford OX4 1EN.
Phone: 07771 713203
Email: price.barney@gmail.com
If you are a consumer you can cancel the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE RIGHT OF CANCELLATION
Statutory Right to cancel
You have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us, Barnaby, 211 Iffley Road, OX4 1EN, Oxford, United Kingdom, +44 7771-713-203, of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, fax or e-mail). You may use the attached model cancellation form, but it is not obligatory. You can also electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". If you use this option, we will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a cancellation on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
If you cancel this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel with contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to us or Barnaby, 211 Iffley Road, OX4 1EN, Oxford, United Kingdom, +44 7771-713-203, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your cancellation from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of cancellation
The right of cancellation does not apply to:
Model withdrawal form
(complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from the contract)
To: (Barnaby, 211 Iffley Road, OX4 1EN, Oxford, United Kingdom, +44 7771-713-203)
I/We (*) hereby give notice that I/We (*) withdraw from my/our (*) contract of sale of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following service (*),
Ordered on (*)/received on (*)
Name of consumer(s)
Address of consumer(s)
Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper)
Date
* Delete as appropriate.
Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
| Order quantity | 20 to 39 business days | 6 to 20 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 30.00 | £ 35.00 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.