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Turing: The Tragic Life of Alan Turing
★★★ The code breaker that helped win the war ★★★
Hundreds of movies and thousands of books have been written about the heroes of World War II. For dozens of years, however, few people knew about one of the greatest heroes of the war—a mild-mannered, eccentric mathematician from the University of Cambridge.This man, an undeniable genius whose later life was plagued by controversy and tragedy, probably played a greater role in the eventual Allied victory than anyone else. Until quite recently his contribution to the war effort was barely recognized.
Everyone’s heard of Churchill, Eisenhower, Montgomery, Patton and even de Gaulle, but far fewer have ever heard of Alan Turing. This is his incredible story.
Hundreds of movies and thousands of books have been written about the heroes of World War II. For dozens of years, however, few people knew about one of the greatest heroes of the war—a mild-mannered, eccentric mathematician from the University of Cambridge.This man, an undeniable genius whose later life was plagued by controversy and tragedy, probably played a greater role in the eventual Allied victory than anyone else. Until quite recently his contribution to the war effort was barely recognized.
Everyone’s heard of Churchill, Eisenhower, Montgomery, Patton and even de Gaulle, but far fewer have ever heard of Alan Turing. This is his incredible story.
- GenresNonfictionLGBTBiography
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2014
3 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 14, 2022
This is a case of a pretty misleading subtitle, with the tragedy of Turing's later life being relegated to a single chapter, following a colourless description of his work during World War II. This misdirection wouldn't be so bad if Fergus Mason were a compelling narrator, but alas, he isn't.
November 10, 2020
Find Better Books Than This One
After I saw The Imitation Game, Turing's life and work fascinated me. Unfortunately, this book misses the mark on several points. Parts of it read like somebody's schoolwork, going on for longer than is needed in a book of this length about British history and other points not directly related to Turing’s tragic life. When he does get Turing, the author seems far too focused on Enigma, not on what the subtitle says, his tragic life. The book is also filled with factual errors as well as problems with grammar, punctuation, and usage. Turing was such a fascinating and brilliant man. What he did was amazing, and we can only question what other brilliant things he might have done had it not been for his country's vile treatment of him because of who he was attracted to. If you have an interest in Turing’s life or his work, you will undoubtedly find better books out there.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
After I saw The Imitation Game, Turing's life and work fascinated me. Unfortunately, this book misses the mark on several points. Parts of it read like somebody's schoolwork, going on for longer than is needed in a book of this length about British history and other points not directly related to Turing’s tragic life. When he does get Turing, the author seems far too focused on Enigma, not on what the subtitle says, his tragic life. The book is also filled with factual errors as well as problems with grammar, punctuation, and usage. Turing was such a fascinating and brilliant man. What he did was amazing, and we can only question what other brilliant things he might have done had it not been for his country's vile treatment of him because of who he was attracted to. If you have an interest in Turing’s life or his work, you will undoubtedly find better books out there.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
June 9, 2021
Title is misleading. The book spends more time on the egnima machine than Turings life. While fascinating, it can be hard to follow. This felt more like a Wikipedia page wrapped up into a book than an in depth look into this man's life.
October 2, 2020
Turing was an interesting man of many talents, but is now mostly known for two things - the Turing Test and cracking the Enigma Code.
But what we accept today was a late recognition. This book explains to some degree why he was not celebrated for his achievement and when the tide finally turned to see him as the high achiever he was.
The book is fairly engagingly written, not too dry and gives some insight into British society before, during and after the war.
The book brings nothing new, but contains all the important information about Turing and his life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But what we accept today was a late recognition. This book explains to some degree why he was not celebrated for his achievement and when the tide finally turned to see him as the high achiever he was.
The book is fairly engagingly written, not too dry and gives some insight into British society before, during and after the war.
The book brings nothing new, but contains all the important information about Turing and his life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. While the book does cover some of Turing's achievements, it spent quite a bit of time on the enigma machine and Bletchley Park which while fascinating are not what the book was about. Admittedly much of the success of breaking the enigma machine codes could be attributed to Turing. Turing would have better left to the academic field where people were not so narrow minded. The time period's morals cost society a brilliant mind that could have advanced much more than he had already.
October 4, 2020
A mild-mannered, eccentric mathematician from the University of Cambridge, named Alan Turning, is one of the least mentioned heroes of WWII. This is story, your chance to learn more about him.
It's well written and a quick read filled with many tidbits of Alan's life and his role during WWII.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's well written and a quick read filled with many tidbits of Alan's life and his role during WWII.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2021
Una biografia poco accattivante della vita di Alan Turing; piuttossto scarna narra i fatti in modo rapido, i vari step che hanno portato alla "manomissione" di Enigma. Toni asciutti e asettici che non appassionano.
October 16, 2020
This was an intriguing read. I had no idea who he was. Wasn't sure what to expect with this new author. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
May 21, 2021
OK read
September 8, 2015
This is a short book and does not give you a lot of details about Turing and his life. Mostly, it is concerned with the mechanics of the various machines used to crack the various Enigma machines used by the Germans. What happened to Turing was a sin and a shame. The man was a genius, who thrived in the sheltered worlds of Bletchley Park and Cambridge University. It was only when he ventured out into the "real" world that his life fell apart. I wish he could have lived in a kinder time and place.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews