Request: Books/articles about history of early computing (pre 1950)

[Paul Dale]

Start early: Difference engines. This is a good read, although it isn't strong on mechanical detail.

Charles Babbage wrote a book. I've not read it, so cannot comment. Tim Robinson has build reproductions of both difference engines and is in the process of building an analytic engine. His web site has details and photographs.

Konrad Zuse did some amazing things pre 1950 but I'm not aware of books about his efforts. The Pascaline also predates Babbage by quite a lot but, again, I'm not aware of books detailing this. There are plenty of details of both on the internet.


Pauli