When Computers Were Human

Explore the fascinating history of computation with When Computers Were Human by David Alan Grier. Published by Princeton University Press in 2007, this captivating 424-page paperback offers a unique insight into the world of the individuals who performed crucial computational tasks throughout history. Grier takes readers on a journey from the surveyors of the French Revolution to the innovative calculating machines designed by Charles Babbage. Discover the pivotal role that human calculators played during the Great Depression, particularly in the expansive computing rooms of the Works Progress Administration. This book not only celebrates the human effort behind the evolution of computing but also examines the interplay between science, technology, and society. Ideal for enthusiasts of history and technology, When Computers Were Human provides a deeper understanding of the historical development of numerical calculations and its lasting impact on our world today.