From Gutenberg to the Internet: A Sourcebook on the History of Information Technology [Hardcover]

Jeremy M. Norman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0930405870 | ISBN-13: 978-0930405878 | Publication Date: June 10, 2005 | Edition: 1St Edition

From Gutenberg to the Internet presents 63 original readings from the history of computing, networking, and telecommunications arranged thematically by chapters. All of these readings were reset in one consistent typographic style for this edition. Most of the readings record basic discoveries from the 1830s through the 1960s that laid the foundation of the world of digital information in which we live. These readings, some of which are illustrated, trace historic steps from the early nineteenth century development of telegraph systems-the first data networks-through the development of the earliest general-purpose progammable computers and the earliest software, to the foundation in 1969 of ARPANET, the first national computer network that eventually became the Internet. The readings will allow you to review early developments and ideas in the history of information technology that eventually led to the convergence of computing, data networking, and telecommunications in the Internet.

The work begins with an illustrated historical introduction concerning the impact of the Internet on book culture. The introduction compares and contrasts the transition from manuscript to print initiated by Gutenberg's invention of printing by moveable type in the 15th century with the transition that began in the mid-19th century from a print-centric world to the present world in which printing co-exists with various electronic media that converged to form the Internet. I also provide a comprehensive and wide-ranging annotated timeline covering selected developments in the history of information technology from the year 100 up to 2004, and supply introductory notes to each reading. Some introductory notes contain supplementary illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Interesting reading not only for expert researchers, but also for a larger audience of curious readers. -- Nuncius: Journal of the History of Science, XXI, 2 (2006)

Useful to anyone [interested] in information technology and its abundant history. . . a valuable tool to add to any collection. -- Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship (Fall 2005)

[I]nformative account of how information technology evolved into what it is today...a valuable tool to add to any collection. -- Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, Fall 2005

From the Author

From Gutenberg to the Internet is the first anthology on the histories of the technologies that led to the Internet. Before compiling this work I reviewed prior anthologies on related themes. Because all except one were written before the impact of personal computers connected to the Internet, none of them included material related to the convergence of computing with data networking and telecommunications that occurred through the Internet. Prior anthologies that came to my attention are the following: John Diebold, editor, The World of the Computer (New York: Random House, 1973). Diebold, a pioneer in automation, prepared this collection of non-technical essays and papers during the mainframe era. It was intended to give readers an appreciation for various issues in computing. Phillip Laplante, editor, Great Papers in Computer Science (Minneapolis-St. Paul: West Publishing Co., IEEE Press, 1996). Laplante's selections emphasize the post-1960 period. The book was intended for first year computer science students. Selection of! the papers was done by surveying 1000 professors of computer science.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 899 pages
• Publisher: Historyofscience.com; 1St Edition edition (June 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930405870
• ISBN-13: 978-0930405878
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,001,498 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Background on this title; Not a rating, June 10, 2005

By 

John P. Gach "[e-mail]" (Randallstown, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Gutenberg to the Internet: A Sourcebook on the History of Information Technology (Hardcover)

"From Gutenberg to the Internet presents 63 original readings from the history of computing, networking, and telecommunications arranged thematically by chapters. Most of the readings record basic discoveries from the 1830s through the 1960s that laid the foundation of the world of digital information in which we live.

These readings, some of which are illustrated, trace historic steps from the early nineteenth century development of telegraph systems-the first data networks- through the development of the earliest general-purpose progammable computers and the earliest software, to the foundation in 1969 of ARPANET, the first national computer network that eventually became the Internet. The readings will allow you to review early developments and ideas in the history of information technology that eventually led to the convergence of computing, data networking, and telecommunications in the Internet.

The editor has written a lengthy illustrated historical introduction concerning the impact of the Internet on book culture. It compares and contrasts the transition from manuscript to print initiated by Gutenberg's invention of printing by moveable type in the 15th century with the transition that began in the mid-19th century from a print-centric world to the present world in which printing co-exists with various electronic media that converged to form the Internet. He also provided a comprehensive and wide-ranging annotated timeline covering selected developments in the history of information technology from the year 100 up to 2004, and supplied introductory notes to each reading. Some introductory notes contain supplementary illustrations." -- Publisher's note

Contents:

1. From Gutenberg's Press to the Foundations of the Internet
2. From Gutenberg to the Internet Timeline. Developments in the History of Information Technology from the Years 100 to 2004
3. Human Computers
4. Mechanizing the Production of Mathematical Tables
5. The Earliest Data Networks
Optical Telegraphy
Electric Telegraphy
Telephones
Wireless Telegraphy
Television
6. Origins of the General Purpose Programmable Computer-Babbage's Analytical Engine
7. The Theory of the Universal Machine
8. Logical Design and Production of the First Electronic Digital Computers
9. The Origins of Computer Programming
10. Early Applications of Electronic Computers
11. Computing and Intelligence
12. Communication Theory
13. Origins of the Internet

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Less is More... Much, Much More!, November 9, 2006

By 

Joao Paulo Alqueres "Joćo Paulo" (Rio de Janeiro, RJ BRAZIL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: From Gutenberg to the Internet: A Sourcebook on the History of Information Technology (Hardcover)

I am very impressed with the time that took Amazon to bring this beauty right into my door. It was about 10 days, but considering you're shipping overseas, you gotta be impressed by this lag. I haven't got this time on deliveries from local Brazilian stores... and I got for only $60 bucks.

The book is amazing and, as far as i can see, it's selling performence doesn't give him justice. Solid compilation of definitive articles for the Information Technology, it is a must have for any Computer geek, or enthusiast.

Even though this item is not in sale anymore, it is still a nice shot to own it, and believe me, it's too inexpensive for what it is.
I'll try to post some photos later.