The History of the Computer (Inventions That Changed the World; Young Explorer) [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Raum (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2007 | Series: Inventions That Changed the World; Young Explorer

Part of a series, this book looks at a familiar product that has radically changed the world we live in. It examines what life was like before the invention and at how life has changed since. It features text and photographs that show major events in chronological order and includes world maps to show where significant developments took place.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elizabeth Raum is a Heinemann-Raintree author. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clearway Logistics Phase 7-9 (September 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0431191484
• ISBN-13: 978-0431191485
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,370,483 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a dull book!, May 4, 2010

By 

Jamie Renton - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The History of the Computer (Inventions That Changed the World) (Paperback)

Although the "History of Computers" may sound like a dry and dull subject for children, this book makes the subject very interesting with colorful pages, simple text without appearing patronizing, and very well-chosen photographs. Even the font is well chosen for this age group. There is a Table of Contents in the beginning listing each section. Each double page spread has a subtitle so it feels a little like a "moving-up" book or an early reader. The subtitles, or sections include: Before Computers, Help With Numbers, The First Computers, A Computer as Big as a House, Making Computers Better, Personal Computers, Computer Programs, A Mouse Helps Out, Computers to Take with You, The Internet, The World Wide Web, How Computers Changed Life, Timeline, World Activity Map, Find Out More, Glossary and Index.

The biggest thrill for kids (and adults!) will be to see photographs of what computers looked like in the not-so-distant past. The photos included are so historically interesting and well chosen. The photos in the beginning of this chronological time line are sepia colored and as the book progresses to the current day, the pictures are in full color.

4.0 out of 5 stars Simpler than expected, January 16, 2012

By 

Norway Mom (Oslo area) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The History of the Computer (Inventions That Changed the World) (Paperback)

This book has large print and about three sentences plus a photo illustration on each page. It was a little simple for my 5th grader who's very interested in computer history, but he still enjoyed it and learned a couple things (he hadn't ever heard of the ENIAC and UNIVAC computers, for example). He wished there was a little more emphasis on the evolution of the modern PC, with more pictures of various models and changing styles. He also wished the book had information on the evolution of operating systems and software.

The book emphasized changes in size and changes in what computers can be used for, in very simple language. It did not provide much information on the inventions and innovations that led to those changes, however. There was not even any mention of microchips. Overall, I felt it was a well-written and well-organized book, but it works best for younger children.