Charles Babbage and the Story of the First Computer (Uncharted, Unexplored, and Unexplained) (Uncharted, Unexplored, and Unexplained: Scientific Advancements of the 19th Century) [Library Binding]

Josepha Sherman (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Uncharted, Unexplored, and Unexplained: Scientific Advancements of the 19th Century

In 1815, there weren’t any computers. Electricity hadn’t yet been discovered as a way to make things run. Calculating sums of numbers had to be done by hand. One mistake would mean adding everything up all over again. But English scientist Charles Babbage was planning to change all that. He planned to use his knowledge of mathematics and engineering to build a machine that would be able to work out the most complicated sums instantly. But someone would have to give it the right program to follow. Women weren’t supposed to know mathematics in his day. But Ada, Countess of Lovelace, was one of the best mathematicians. She became the first computer programmer. And Charles Babbage could become the father of computing—if only he could overcome the biggest problem of all. It wasn’t the lack of electric power. It wasn’t the lack of modern equipment. Before he could succeed, Charles Babbage had to conquer the greatest problem of all—himself.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Josepha Sherman is a prolific author with more than 60 books in print. The owner of Sherman Editorial Services, Josepha has also written a six book series on alternative energy (Capstone); The History of the Internet (Franklin Watts); Bill Gates: Computer King (Millbrook); and Henry Cavendish and the Discovery of Hydrogen and J. J. Thomson and the Discovery of Electrons (both for Mitchell Lane Publishers). In addition, she is a native New Yorker, has a degree in archaeology, loves to tinker with computers, and follows the NY Mets.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Lane Publishers (September 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584153725
• ISBN-13: 978-1584153726
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,435,409 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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