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The author documents the odd relationship between Atanasoff and John Mauchly, a Philadelphia engineer who is credited in most histories as the inventor of the first computer. Mollenhoff shows which ideas were Atanasoffs and which of these ideas were borrowed by Mauchly for use in the latters ENIAC computer. The author also explains how Mauchly exploited Atanasoffs engineering genius and personal trust in the pursuit of his own professional ambitions. Mollenhoff recounts this fully documented story of the theivery of Atanasoffs ideas and of the open court battle of the computer giants that finally though belatedly gives John V. Atanasoff his proper recognition. This is a first-rate account of the key engineering breakthrough of the century . It is thorough, fair-minded, and highly readable, and Mollenhoffs experience shows in the organization of his materials and in his skill as a storyteller. Mollenhoff is a lawyer as well as a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter, and his sensitivity to the ethical and legal issues of this story are apparent throughout. Atanasoff, Forgotten Father of the Computer will appeal to a broad audience of general readers as well as to scientists and engineers. |
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