{"product_id":"the-history-of-computing-a-very-short-introduction-9780198831754","title":"The History of Computing: A Very Short Introduction","description":"\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eVery Short Introductions\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis lively \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introduction\u003c\/em\u003e reviews the central events, machines, and people that feature in established accounts of the history of computing, critically examining received perceptions and providing a fresh look at the nature and development of the modern electronic computer. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe book begins by discussing a widely accepted linear narrative of the history of computing, centred around innovatory highlights that start with the use of knotted cords to aid calculation, all the way to the smartphones of the present day. It discusses the problems and simplifications present in such a narrative, and offers instead an account, centred on users, that identifies four distinct historical threads: calculation, automatic computing, information management, and communication. These threads are examined individually, tracing their paths and the convergences of related technologies into what has come to be called 'the information age'. \u003cbr\u003eABOUT THE SERIES: The \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introduction\u003c\/em\u003e series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Oxford University Press, USA\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 11\/25\/2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780198831754\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 160","brand":"Doron Swade","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42478392672437,"sku":"9780198831754","price":11.04,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/products\/img_653bd30d-b478-43d0-a97a-45354509e71f.jpg?v=1666751818","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/the-history-of-computing-a-very-short-introduction-9780198831754","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}