I found it quite difficult to give a “micro” review of this excellent book. The author has given us a mini-biography of 59 “giants” of computing, with a brief account of their major achievements. Review space limits prevent me from commenting on the individuals included.

No doubt the author will be criticized for omitting some individuals, but I believe he not only included the appropriate major figures of computing, but also created a cohesive atmosphere, a sort of leitmotif that illuminates not only the individual figures, but also the evolution of computing itself.

Each chapter presents a brief biography and the major achievements of one individual. The author does supplement this with some of the controversies in computing, such as Atanasoff and Mauchly and the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) patent. The stories are illustrated with actual photos, tables, and diagrams related to the chapter’s “giant” subject.

I think the book is absolutely delightful and will provide the reader with many interesting and enjoyable evenings. There are even two quizzes for readers who wish to test their knowledge of people and events in computing.