
The Computer from Pascal to von Neumann
Herman H. Goldstine(Author)
Princeton University Press
Published on 21. October 1972
Book
Hardback
365 pages
978-0-691-08104-5 (ISBN)
Description
In 1942, Lt. Herman H. Goldstine, a former mathematics professor, was stationed at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. It was there that he assisted in the creation of the ENIAC, the first electronic digital computer. The ENIAC was operational in 1945, but plans for a new computer were already underway. The principal source of ideas for the new computer was John von Neumann, who became Goldstine's chief collaborator. Together they developed EDVAC, successor to ENIAC. After World War II, at the Institute for Advanced Study, they built what was to become the prototype of the present-day computer. Herman Goldstine writes as both historian and scientist in this first examination of the development of computing machinery, from the seventeenth century through the early 1950s. His personal involvement lends a special authenticity to his narrative, as he sprinkles anecdotes and stories liberally through his text.
Reviews / Votes
"Winner of the Award in Science, Phi Beta Kappa 1973" "The book is first-rate: it is written in a style that all can understand." * Nature * "Herman Goldstine is himself a pioneer of the computer. . . . [He] writes with disarming candor and good humor." * Scientific American *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New Jersey
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Trade binding
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 152 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-691-08104-5 (9780691081045)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
09/2008
1st Edition
Princeton University Press
€304.95
Available for download
Person
Herman H. Goldstine is currently Executive Officer of the American Philosophical Society.