Computing Perspectives

Computing Perspectives collects Maurice Wilkes' writings and reflections from his pioneering career in computer science spanning the 1940s-1980s. The essays cover the development of early computers, programming techniques, and the emergence of the computing industry. Wilkes provides first-hand accounts of creating EDSAC, one of the first stored program computers, at Cambridge University. He discusses key technical innovations in computing hardware and software, including his work on microprogramming and the evolution of programming languages. The book combines historical documentation with personal observations about the growth of computer science as an academic discipline and profession. Wilkes examines changes in system architecture, memory design, and programming methodologies across four decades. The collection serves as both a historical record and a meditation on how theoretical concepts in computing became practical realities. The essays reveal the iterative nature of technological progress and the continuous exchange between academic research and industrial applications.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Maurice Wilkes's overall work: Readers appreciate Wilkes' clear technical writing style and his ability to explain complex computing concepts. His 1951 book "Preparation of Programs for an Electronic Digital Computer" receives credit from computer science students for establishing fundamental programming principles in an accessible way. What readers liked: - Direct, precise explanations of technical concepts - Historical insights into early computing developments - Personal anecdotes about pioneering computer projects What readers disliked: - Some dated technical references in older works - Limited availability of his books - Dense mathematical notation in certain sections Ratings: - "Memoirs of a Computer Pioneer" (1985) maintains a 4.2/5 on Goodreads (42 ratings) - "Preparation of Programs" averages 4.0/5 on Amazon (limited reviews due to age) A computer science student on Goodreads notes: "Wilkes writes with remarkable clarity about complex topics that shaped modern computing." Another reader comments that his work "documents crucial early developments in programming that remain relevant."

Hackers by Steven Levy Chronicles the early days of computing through the stories of pioneers who shaped the field from the 1950s to the 1980s.

The Computer Boys Take Over by Nathan Ensmenger Documents the evolution of computer programming from a craft to a profession and its impact on the computing industry.

A History of Modern Computing by Paul Ceruzzi Traces the technical developments and social changes in computing from the 1940s through the rise of personal computers and the internet.

Where Wizards Stay Up Late by Katie Hafner Details the creation of ARPANET and the foundations of the internet through firsthand accounts of the engineers and scientists involved.

The Dream Machine by M. Mitchell Waldrop Follows J.C.R. Licklider's vision and influence on interactive computing through the perspectives of key figures in computer science history.

🔵 Maurice Wilkes built EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator) in 1949, which was the first practical stored-program computer and is discussed extensively in the book 🔵 The book includes Wilkes' firsthand account of the moment he realized programming would be a lifelong challenge - while climbing the stairs at Cambridge's Mathematical Laboratory in 1949 🔵 Computing Perspectives spans four decades of computer science history (1950s-1990s), written by someone who helped create the field and invented concepts like microprogramming 🔵 Wilkes was the first recipient of the ACM Turing Award (1967), considered the "Nobel Prize of Computing," for his work on many of the innovations discussed in this book 🔵 The book provides unique insights into the evolution of programming languages, as Wilkes was involved in developing EDSAC's "Initial Orders" - one of the first assembly languages ever created