Alan Turing: Enigma

by Anna Revell

If you have ever used a computer, you owe that joy to Alan Turing. Turing is known by many as the Father of the Modern Computer for his conception of the theoretical stored-memory machine (known as the Turing Machine) and for the subsequent implementation of this idea in the creation of some of the world’s first working computers, the Automatic Computing Engine, and the Manchester Mark 1.

Impressive as they are, though, Turing’s contributions to computer science are not necessarily his most famous or influential projects. Alan Turing was one of the most significant figures in the Allied victory of World War Two, thanks to his ingenious code breaking skills and the invention of the British Bombe at Bletchley Park. In his later life, Turing even dabbled in artificial intelligence, and biology, creating concepts that are still being investigated today.

Until recently, Alan Turing had often been overlooked as an important figure in history. Thanks to in-depth biographies like Andrew Hodges’ Alan Turing: The Enigma, and film depictions of Turing’s life, like The Imitation Game, based on Hodges’ book, Alan Turing is quickly becoming a household name, as people begin to recognize that his contributions to various fields were so influential they actually changed the course of human history.

Genres: Biography

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2017

Reviews

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a short insight of Alan Turing's life I enjoyed this, but I think I'd like a more in-depth one next.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise account of the highlights of Alan Turning's life and contribution to computing, mathematics, etc. A true genius as odd as Einstein in his personal behaviors. His openness of his homosexuali became the hallmark of frustration when he could no longer obtain a security clearance in order to continuing the work that he had brought so far along for good purpose. An unaccepting legal system and social system made him a criminal until his death. Thank heavens for the fight that occurred by those of today had that enigma of criminal from him with a pardon. Too bad it couldn't have happened in his lifetime. Who knows what more he could have contributed to our technical world that was just in the offing.

[Julia Curtin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quick read but super interesting! I love WW2 history and this had a few things I didn’t know before reading. Also feels very relevant given the rise of AI and how computer and tech dependent we are now, meanwhile when Turing first thought them up people thought he was crazy.

[Jay Pees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, brief biography. Turing was a fascinating person who completely changed the world for the better. He was terribly misunderstood by his contemporaries. Without the contributions by this man, WWII would have dragged on and we likely would not have the computers we have today. He was much more important to personal computing than Bill Gates. I would recommend this book to all who use any kind of personal computer. I chose five stars because it is the highest available.

Excellent, brief biography. Turing was a fascinating person who completely changed the world for the better. He was terribly misunderstood by his contemporaries. Without the contributions by this man, WWII would have dragged on and we likely would not have the computers we have today. He was much more important to personal computing than Bill Gates. I would recommend this book to all who use any kind of personal computer.

[Ashley Baber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but interesting

It didn’t really offer much detail with concern of the enigma but was still informative and a quick read. I would recommend to someone that doesn’t know anything about the subject.

[Maria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Turing the father of computers

Very interesting biography of Alan Turing who helped break the German Enigma machine during WWII. Appropriate for young adult. Includes information about Turing’s homosexuality.

[Apriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent mini biography - well written but just hits the main events in his life.

[Callum Hair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple overview of the life and accomplishments of Alan Turing.

[David J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A poorly written shadow of a biography that just barely whets the appitite.

[Richard Edgeworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It Was OK

I was kind of disappointed and thought the book could have benefited from more Depth and details. I did not enjoy the book as much as I thought I would.