International Biographical Dictionary of Computer Pioneers

by John A.N. Lee (Editor)

Overview

The International Biographical Dictionary of Computer Pioneers is more than a who's who in computer science and development. It presents biographies of 240 innovators in the field of computing, from Charles Babbage to Alan Turing, and Howard Aiken to John von Neumann, and explains their contribution to computer science. Computer Pioneers includes those who have played a supportive role such as enlightened managers, financiers, or teachers as well as those individuals central to the development of computing. Accompanying each biography is a bibliography in two parts: works by the entrant and works about the entrant. An appendix provides information on other sources of biography from standard reference books to oral history collections. The book ends with a comprehensive index.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781884964473
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/01/1995
Pages:	832
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

Editorial Reviews

"Highly recommended. All levels." — Choice
"This book brings together biographical information that is often scattered among sources.. Useful in academic and large public libraries." — Booklist/RBB
"A highly entertaining series of biographies. Hugely recommended." — Reference Reviews

From the Publisher

YA-Professional data on over 275 computer pioneers. The format is somewhat flexible, based on available data. Many entries are accompanied by small, often dark but adequate photographs. Most articles list date and place of birth, date of death (if applicable), and major contribution. Education, professional experience, professional life, quotations, bibliography (biographical and significant publications) are usually included (Annals of the History of Computing is a major source for this title). Some entries have only "the vitals," and some of those are incomplete (especially date, place of birth/death). A very few entries include several pages of mixed personal and professional history. As expected, most of the subjects are from the 20th century. Students curious about the people behind the computer revolution, in need of brief biographical information, or attempting to fill the professional information section of a research paper should find this work helpful.-Barbara Hawkins, Oakton High School, Fairfax, VA

School Library Journal

A reference that contains biographical entries on pioneers in the history of computing, including their qualifications, their activities, and the recognition accorded them by the industry. Included are not only those whose contributions have been central to the progress of the field, but also those who played supportive roles as managers, financiers, and educators. Each biography is accompanied by a bibliography which contains biographical entries and significant publications. Many of the biographies include a quote from the pioneer; some include a small portrait photograph. Many are edited from their previous publication, particularly in the Annals of the History of Computing. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

This work is a collection of biographies of more than 300 individuals who were somehow involved with the development of modern computing. From the ninth-century mathematician Mukhammad ibn Musa Al-Khowarizmi to modern innovators such as Steven Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the book attempts to provide the broadest coverage possible in both time and geography. Since computing is such a recent field, many of the "pioneers" selected are still alive, and 60 of them helped to edit their own biographies. Entries contain basic biographical information, lists of important publications, citations to other biographical sources, and often a very dark photograph. Longer entries include quotations by and about the individual, awards, and lengthy reminiscences about his or her life and work Many of the entries are based upon previously published biographies, 39 of which have appeared in the "Annals of the History of Computing". While the average entry runs about two to three pages, entries vary widely in size and scope. For example, John Vincent Atanasoff (the coinventor of the ABC computer) receives 20 pages, whereas J. P. Eckert (inventor of the more famous ENIAC) receives only six. Some entries are extremely short. Maurice Howard Halstead and Frank E. Hamilton each have a single sentence, and A. Porter has only 10 words. If that is all of the biographical information available on these individuals, it is questionable whether they belong in a work that is essentially a computing hall of fame. Equally surprising is the fact that some people who have made important contributions to computing, including Bill Gates, are not included at all. Appendixes list other biographical compilations and the people covered in them. The greatest overlap is with "Historical Dictionary of Data Processing: Biographies" (Greenwood, 1987), which includes 99 of the people treated in this new book. Appended also are a list of the people interviewed for the oral history collection of the Charles Babbage Institute and lists of winners of various professional awards Despite the uneven and sometimes quirky coverage, this book brings together biographical information that is often scattered among other sources. It will be useful in academic and large public libraries as a means of documenting the achievements of this growing discipline.

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