Synopsis
The American ENIAC is customarily regarded as having been the starting point of electronic computation. This book rewrites the history of computer science, arguing that in reality Colossus--the giant computer built by the British secret service during World War II--predates ENIAC by two years.
Colossus was built during the Second World War at the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park. Until very recently, much about the Colossus machine was shrouded in secrecy, largely because the code-breaking algorithms that were employed during World War II remained in use by the British security services until a short time ago. In addition, the United States has recently declassified a considerable volume of wartime documents relating to Colossus. Jack Copeland has brought together memoirs of veterans of Bletchley Park--the top-secret headquarters of Britain's secret service--and others who draw on the wealth of declassified information to illuminate the crucial role Colossus played during World War II. Included here are pieces by the former WRENS who actually worked the machine, the scientist who pioneered the use of vacuum tubes in data processing, and leading authorities on code-breaking and computer science.
A must read for anyone curious about code-breaking or World War II espionage, Colossus offers a fascinating insider's account of the world first giant computer, the great great grandfather of the massive computers used today by the CIA and the National Security Agency.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Jack Copeland is a Reader in Philosophy and Director of the Turing Project at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. A contributor to Scientific American, his books include Turing's Machines, Artificial Intelligence, and The Essential Turing.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Colossus: The First Electronic Computer (Popular Science)
Seller Image
Colossus: The First Electronic Computer (Popular Science)
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2006
ISBN 10: 019284055X
ISBN 13: 9780192840554
Used
Hardcover
Seller: -OnTimeBooks-, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. A copy that has been read, remains in good condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine and cover show signs of wear. Pages can include notes and highlighting and show signs of wear, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels or previous owner inscriptions. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item for full refund. Ships via media mail. Seller Inventory # OTV.019284055X.G
Stock Image
Colossus: The First Electronic Computer (Popular Science)
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2006
ISBN 10: 019284055X
ISBN 13: 9780192840554
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G019284055XI4N00
Stock Image
Colossus: The First Electronic Computer (Popular Science) Copeland, Jack
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2006
ISBN 10: 019284055X
ISBN 13: 9780192840554
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Mercantile Books, Columbus, OH, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Hardcover in Dust Jacket. Pages clean, crisp, unmarked. Cover and Jacket have light wear. Shipped promptly with Tracking. HC2-2. Seller Inventory # S5-MGQU-8J68
Seller Image
Colossus: The Secrets of Bletchley Park's Code-breaking Computers
Published by
OUP Oxford, 2006
ISBN 10: 019284055X
ISBN 13: 9780192840554
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: PKRD, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: As New. 1st Edition. No damage, markings or signs of use, apart from very slight shelf wear to dustjacket (slight scuffing to top edge). 2006 hardback, 3rd impression. The photo is of the actual book you will receive. Fast dispatch, normally within 24 hours, by UK seller. Seller Inventory # 15056
Buy Used
US$ 47.18
US$ 29.65 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Colossus: The Secrets of Bletchley Park's Code-breaking Computers
Published by
Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, Oxford, 2003
ISBN 10: 019284055X
ISBN 13: 9780192840554
Used
Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. At last - the secrets of Bletchley Park's powerful codebreaking computers. This is a history of Colossus, the world's first fully-functioning electronic digital computer. Colossus was used during the Second World War at the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, where it played an invaluable role cracking enemy codes. Until very recently, much about the Colossus machine was shrouded in secrecy, largely because the codes that were employed remained in use by the British security services until a short time ago. This book has only become possible due to the recent declassification in the US of wartime documents. With an introductory essay on cryptography and the history of code-breaking by Simon Singh, this book reveals the workings of Colossus and the extraordinary staff at Bletchley Park through personal accounts by those who lived and worked with the computer. Among them is the testimony of Thomas Flowers, who was the architect of Colossus and whose personal account, written shortly before he died, is published here for the first time. Other essays consider the historical importance of this remarkable machine, and its impact on the generations of computing technology that followed. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001893205
Buy Used
US$ 89.34
US$ 7.55 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 2 available
Stock Image
Colossus: The First Electronic Computer (Popular Science)
Seller: Toscana Books, AUSTIN, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: new. Excellent Condition.Excels in customer satisfaction, prompt replies, and quality checks. Seller Inventory # Scanned019284055X