THE ELECTRONIC BRAIN: How It Works

This is a brief and uncomplicated introduction to the world of the computer. It follows almost precisely the topical outline developed by Vorwald and Clark in Computers!: From Sandtable to Electronic Brain, a somewhat more advanced exposition. Cook's section on binary arithmetic, the basic symbol form of the electronic age, is very well presented. He also considers some of the early beginnings of computing with the abacus, with early punched card forms, up to present electronic giants which compute payrolls, play a role in criminology, and guide satellites. The book suffers perhaps from brevity; nevertheless it should appeal to readers ready to explore further.