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Turing Omnibus: 61 Excursions in Computer Science

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While nearly everyone knows the broad range of computer applications, there are few who know the depth and breadth of knowledge that makes up the discipline of computer science. In fact, it can be argued that in the near future many of the fields that are now independent will be considered as just another sub-discipline of computer science. This book, a collection of brief essays in the field, is another spike to be used in nailing down that argument.
A wide variety of topics are covered, from neural networks and information transfer to algorithm analysis and complexity. While each essay is necessarily brief, it satisfies all the criteria of an explanatory vignette. Brief, with a sufficient foundation for further study, and pointers to the next rung on the ladder of understanding. Each section also contains a small collection of supplementary problems. It would have helped if solutions or at least hints to these problems had been included.
There are times when a phrase is used without introduction; however, that is not a problem, as an icon index is used to group the topics together.
The finest introduction to the ever expanding range of computer science that I have ever seen, this book should be read by all those interested in computers. Even experts will be enriched by what they find.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.