Deliver toUnited Arab Emirates
The History of the Computer: People, Inventions, and Technology that Changed Our World

Description:

A MATHICAL HONOR BOOK • A strikingly illustrated overview of the computing machines that have changed our world—from the abacus to the smartphone—and the people who made them, by the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Women in Science.

“A beautifully illustrated journey through the history of computing, from the Antikythera mechanism to the iPhone and beyond—I loved it
.”—Eben Upton, Founder and CEO of Raspberry Pi

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Public Library


Computers are everywhere and have impacted our lives in so many ways. But who created them, and why? How have they transformed the way that we interact with our surroundings and each other?

Packed with accessible information, fun facts, and discussion starters, this charming and art-filled book takes you from the ancient world to the modern day, focusing on important inventions, from the earliest known counting systems to the sophisticated algorithms behind AI.
The History of the Computer also profiles a diverse range of key players and creators—from An Wang and Margaret Hamilton to Steve Jobs and Sir Tim Berners-Lee—and illuminates their goals, their intentions, and the impact of their inventions on our everyday lives.

This entertaining and educational journey will help you understand our most important machines and how we can use them to enhance the way we live. You’ll never look at your phone the same way again!


Editorial Reviews

Review

“A beautifully illustrated journey through the history of computing, from the Antikythera mechanism to the iPhone and beyond—I loved it.—Eben Upton, Founder and CEO of Raspberry Pi

About the Author

Rachel Ignotofsky is a New York Times bestselling author, illustrator, and designer. Rachel and her work have been featured in many print and online media outlets such as the New York TimesLos Angeles Times, Scientific American, Science Friday, Brain Pickings, and more. She is the author of Women in Science, Women in Sports, Women in Art, I Love Science, and The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars College Level Textbook Dressed as a Cartoon

C.D.F. · January 23, 2024

This book was a find, and now I assign it to my college students every semester. This is simply the best, most accessible book on the history of computing that I've found. It acknowledges the contributions of thousands of people, particularly women and minorities, over the course of generations, each building upon the work of others. Don't let the art fool you. The fact that the is illustrated disguises how dense and well researched it is. There is serious scholarship here. People need to read and understand: this is the story of our times.

5.0 out of 5 stars I love it

M. · April 18, 2025

Great book, well illustrated . Easy to understand

5.0 out of 5 stars You Memory Holed Shockley! Quality 1984 Move.

J. · September 30, 2025

Cute book. Actually, a lot of content is presented considering it is a picture book at heart. Someone else said they used this for a college class. Not a great idea. High school perhaps. Somehow it doesn't mention Shockley when talking about the invention of the transistor, only Brattain and Bardeen. That's pretty political and should be fixed in the second edition. Politics should not trump (ha!) actual historical facts. You should be ashamed of yourself. I recall Jean Horneri is somehow left out too and that is clearly just an oversight. He was as important to all of this as Kilby and Noyce. John von Neumann left out too. Good job name dropping Claude Shannon. Still, 5 stars. Great achievement.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great

B. · June 15, 2025

Great

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute intro to the history of computing

M. · July 29, 2022

Purchased for my 13 year old computer geek grandson as a surprise gift, I also purchased the ebook version for myself to read and glean some vocabulary to use in a sci-fi short story I want to write for him. It’s a bit redundant between the illustrations and the text. It doesn’t give but a glimpse on each of the topics covered, but for my purposes, it works well and it’s fun to look through.

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, Computers simplified

A.C. · June 12, 2024

Want to understand the workings of a computer and its history with great illustrations, buy this book.Don't do kindle, you need the art work. From here, I was able to google details.A must read for anyone who has agonized about what has happened over a hundred years and all that is in a motherboard. Breakthrough for me, a financial writer for 57 years

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and informative!

T.R. · May 18, 2022

This book was such a treat! I am a long time tech nerd and this book is filled with accurate and informative graphics that celebrate computer history. My nephew loves this book and can't put it down. He is learning so much and we are having a lot of fun talking about this book together. The illustrations are so impressive. It is a total slam dunk!

3.0 out of 5 stars "Progressive" Ideology

M. · March 17, 2025

Nice, intellectual comic-book history of computing... IF you can endure or overlook the insertions of "progressive" ideology. .. that many people find inappropriate and irritating. She's a DEI "poster child" that is not above blaming the United States for the conclusion of the war with Japan.

History of computers

B.T. · February 5, 2025

Not what I expected. I found the book boring at times. Too many repeat items.

Tolles Buch

S.F. · July 11, 2024

Das Buch ist wirklich toll aufgebaut und illustriert.Ich als Informatiker habe sogar noch 2-3 Sachen gelesen wo ich so direkt nicht wusste - Das kam gut für meine Webseite :)

Excellent

H.G. · January 18, 2024

This is what i wanted thanks to the author and publisher.

Concise & well researched. Suitable for young teenagers.

T. · December 28, 2022

Concise & well researched. Suitable for young teenagers who have an interest in Computers & gaming.

Fabulous!

M.S. · March 14, 2024

I purchased this book for a newly 7 yr old boy who loves learning how things work. I knew mom or dad would be reading it with him, and all three give this book 5 Stars. Older sister (11) gave it a read as well and used it for a school project. I ended up purchasing another for my teaching library and and my students love it as well.

The History of the Computer: People, Inventions, and Technology that Changed Our World

Product ID: U1984857428
Condition: New

4.7

AED13409

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Hardcover
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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The History of the Computer: People, Inventions, and Technology that Changed Our World

Product ID: U1984857428
Condition: New

4.7

The History of the Computer: People, Inventions, and Technology that Changed Our World-0
Type: Hardcover

AED13409

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

A MATHICAL HONOR BOOK • A strikingly illustrated overview of the computing machines that have changed our world—from the abacus to the smartphone—and the people who made them, by the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Women in Science.

“A beautifully illustrated journey through the history of computing, from the Antikythera mechanism to the iPhone and beyond—I loved it
.”—Eben Upton, Founder and CEO of Raspberry Pi

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Public Library


Computers are everywhere and have impacted our lives in so many ways. But who created them, and why? How have they transformed the way that we interact with our surroundings and each other?

Packed with accessible information, fun facts, and discussion starters, this charming and art-filled book takes you from the ancient world to the modern day, focusing on important inventions, from the earliest known counting systems to the sophisticated algorithms behind AI.
The History of the Computer also profiles a diverse range of key players and creators—from An Wang and Margaret Hamilton to Steve Jobs and Sir Tim Berners-Lee—and illuminates their goals, their intentions, and the impact of their inventions on our everyday lives.

This entertaining and educational journey will help you understand our most important machines and how we can use them to enhance the way we live. You’ll never look at your phone the same way again!


Editorial Reviews

Review

“A beautifully illustrated journey through the history of computing, from the Antikythera mechanism to the iPhone and beyond—I loved it.—Eben Upton, Founder and CEO of Raspberry Pi

About the Author

Rachel Ignotofsky is a New York Times bestselling author, illustrator, and designer. Rachel and her work have been featured in many print and online media outlets such as the New York TimesLos Angeles Times, Scientific American, Science Friday, Brain Pickings, and more. She is the author of Women in Science, Women in Sports, Women in Art, I Love Science, and The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars College Level Textbook Dressed as a Cartoon

C.D.F. · January 23, 2024

This book was a find, and now I assign it to my college students every semester. This is simply the best, most accessible book on the history of computing that I've found. It acknowledges the contributions of thousands of people, particularly women and minorities, over the course of generations, each building upon the work of others. Don't let the art fool you. The fact that the is illustrated disguises how dense and well researched it is. There is serious scholarship here. People need to read and understand: this is the story of our times.

5.0 out of 5 stars I love it

M. · April 18, 2025

Great book, well illustrated . Easy to understand

5.0 out of 5 stars You Memory Holed Shockley! Quality 1984 Move.

J. · September 30, 2025

Cute book. Actually, a lot of content is presented considering it is a picture book at heart. Someone else said they used this for a college class. Not a great idea. High school perhaps. Somehow it doesn't mention Shockley when talking about the invention of the transistor, only Brattain and Bardeen. That's pretty political and should be fixed in the second edition. Politics should not trump (ha!) actual historical facts. You should be ashamed of yourself. I recall Jean Horneri is somehow left out too and that is clearly just an oversight. He was as important to all of this as Kilby and Noyce. John von Neumann left out too. Good job name dropping Claude Shannon. Still, 5 stars. Great achievement.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great

B. · June 15, 2025

Great

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute intro to the history of computing

M. · July 29, 2022

Purchased for my 13 year old computer geek grandson as a surprise gift, I also purchased the ebook version for myself to read and glean some vocabulary to use in a sci-fi short story I want to write for him. It’s a bit redundant between the illustrations and the text. It doesn’t give but a glimpse on each of the topics covered, but for my purposes, it works well and it’s fun to look through.

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, Computers simplified

A.C. · June 12, 2024

Want to understand the workings of a computer and its history with great illustrations, buy this book.Don't do kindle, you need the art work. From here, I was able to google details.A must read for anyone who has agonized about what has happened over a hundred years and all that is in a motherboard. Breakthrough for me, a financial writer for 57 years

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and informative!

T.R. · May 18, 2022

This book was such a treat! I am a long time tech nerd and this book is filled with accurate and informative graphics that celebrate computer history. My nephew loves this book and can't put it down. He is learning so much and we are having a lot of fun talking about this book together. The illustrations are so impressive. It is a total slam dunk!

3.0 out of 5 stars "Progressive" Ideology

M. · March 17, 2025

Nice, intellectual comic-book history of computing... IF you can endure or overlook the insertions of "progressive" ideology. .. that many people find inappropriate and irritating. She's a DEI "poster child" that is not above blaming the United States for the conclusion of the war with Japan.

History of computers

B.T. · February 5, 2025

Not what I expected. I found the book boring at times. Too many repeat items.

Tolles Buch

S.F. · July 11, 2024

Das Buch ist wirklich toll aufgebaut und illustriert.Ich als Informatiker habe sogar noch 2-3 Sachen gelesen wo ich so direkt nicht wusste - Das kam gut für meine Webseite :)

Excellent

H.G. · January 18, 2024

This is what i wanted thanks to the author and publisher.

Concise & well researched. Suitable for young teenagers.

T. · December 28, 2022

Concise & well researched. Suitable for young teenagers who have an interest in Computers & gaming.

Fabulous!

M.S. · March 14, 2024

I purchased this book for a newly 7 yr old boy who loves learning how things work. I knew mom or dad would be reading it with him, and all three give this book 5 Stars. Older sister (11) gave it a read as well and used it for a school project. I ended up purchasing another for my teaching library and and my students love it as well.

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More from this brand

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