The Advent of the Algorithm: The Idea that Rules the World

Berlinski, David

ISBN 10: 0151003386 / ISBN 13: 9780151003389

Published by Harcourt Brace, New York, San Diego, London, 2000

About this Item

xviii, 345 pages; 24 cm. Tight, clean copy. Stated First edition. Fine DJ. A fine copy of the first printing. *** "The algorithm is just code, but it makes things happen. It's the set of abstract, detailed instructions that makes computers run. Any programmer can invent a new algorithm-and many have become millionaires doing just that. Computers, the Internet, virtual reality-our world is being transformed before our eyes, all because some quirky logicians and mathematicians followed the dream of ultimate abstraction and invented the algorithm. Beginning with Leibniz and culminating in the middle of this century with the work of little-known geniuses and eccentrics like Godel and Turing, David Berlinski tells this epic tale with clarity and imaginative brilliance. You don't have to be a programmer or a math buff to enjoy his book. All you have to do is be fascinated by the greatest innovation of the twentieth century. / David Berlinski is the author of three novels and four works of nonfiction, including the bestselling A Tour of the Calculus. Berlinski received his Ph.D. from Princeton University and is a regular contributor to Commentary and Forbes ASAP. He lives in Paris." - Publisher. Size: 8vo.

Seller Inventory # 098952

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Advent of the Algorithm: The Idea that Rules the World
• Publisher: Harcourt Brace, New York, San Diego, London
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0151003386
• ISBN 13: 9780151003389
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • A BARGAIN BASEMENT
  • XL: Extra Large

About this title

Synopsis

A history of the development of the computer focuses on the people whose innovative mathematical work in algorithms and codes made the computer a reality, discussing its beginnings with Liebnitz and profiling unsung geniuses like G÷del and Turing. 50,000 first printing. First serial, Harpers. BOMC.

Review

"An extraordinary book . . . Making simple and accessible that which had previously been murky and intimidating is Berlinski's specialty."-CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Praise for "The Advent of the Algorithm"
"Berlinski has composed energetic, intertwined tales that make it nearly impossible for readers, once drawn in, to lose interest. . . . An uncommon achievement of both style and substance."-"Publishers Weekly" (starred review)
"A tour de force, this book gives intellectual dilemmas a human face, while restoring grandeur and mystery to a universe still too richly intricate to fit within a computer protocol."-"Booklist" (starred review)
"An extraordinary book . . . Making simple and accessible that which had previously been murky and intimidating is Berlinski's specialty."-"Chicago Tribune"
Praise for"The Advent of the Algorithm"

"Berlinski has composed energetic, intertwined tales that make it nearly impossible for readers, once drawn in, to lose interest. . . . An uncommon achievement of both style and substance."-"Publishers Weekly"(starred review)

"A tour de force, this book gives intellectual dilemmas a human face, while restoring grandeur and mystery to a universe still too richly intricate to fit within a computer protocol."-"Booklist"(starred review)

"An extraordinary book . . . Making simple and accessible that which had previously been murky and intimidating is Berlinski's specialty."-"Chicago Tribune"
Praise for "The Advent of the Algorithm"

"Berlinski has composed energetic, intertwined tales that make it nearly impossible for readers, once drawn in, to lose interest. . . . An uncommon achievement of both style and substance."-"Publishers Weekly" (starred review)

"A tour de force, this book gives intellectual dilemmas a human face, while restoring grandeur and mystery to a universe still too richly intricate to fit within a computer protocol."-"Booklist" (starred review)

"An extraordinary book . . . Making simple and accessible that which had previously been murky and intimidating is Berlinski's specialty."-"Chicago Tribune"
Praise for The Advent of the Algorithm
"Berlinski has composed energetic, intertwined tales that make it nearly impossible for readers, once drawn in, to lose interest. . . . An uncommon achievement of both style and substance."-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A tour de force, this book gives intellectual dilemmas a human face, while restoring grandeur and mystery to a universe still too richly intricate to fit within a computer protocol."-Booklist (starred review)
"An extraordinary book . . . Making simple and accessible that which had previously been murky and intimidating is Berlinski's specialty."-Chicago Tribune