Turing's Cathedral

This book should be required reading for every programmer or aspiring programmer IMO. I learned so much about the history of computing that I didn't know before reading this. You will not regret buying this one.

on HN, 2019

As mentioned, it's a lot about von Neumann. Slightly dense writing style but does a great job of explaining some of the key intellectual breakthroughs behind development of the computer.

on HN, 2020

Lots of excellent detail, descriptions of the personalities and relationships of many interesting people, like von Neumann.

on HN, 2026

Turing's Cathedral is fantastic. The most enjoyable computer science history book I've read. Highly recommended.

on HN, 2020

I thought Turing's Cathedral was pretty good but note that it's mostly about John von Neumann not Alan Turing.

on HN, 2020