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Moving targets : Elliott-Automation and the dawn of the computer age in Britain, 1947-67
Lavington S., Springer Publishing Company, Incorporated, London, UK, 2011. 732 pp. Type: Book (978-1-848829-32-9)
Date Reviewed: Nov 1 2011

The major contribution made by the Elliott-Automation company in spearheading the development of early computing technologies in the UK and the Commonwealth is often overlooked. In his latest book, Lavington scrutinizes the extensive work carried out by the employees of this company, and, thanks to his extensive efforts, there can be little doubt that in future years their pioneering work will be better appreciated.

Although the author traces the company’s 19th century origins, his main focus concerns the post-WWII period when modern computing was in its infancy. With many of its R&D projects initiated by the UK government, the company rapidly grew in both size and stature and played a pivotal role in the advancement of civil and military computing, with particular emphasis being given to avionic systems. For example, the author outlines work undertaken in connection with the Blue Streak rocket program (using analog computation) and the company’s development of the first digital computer to be installed in a European aircraft, the ill-fated TSR-2. Although well ahead of its time, the TSR-2 project was canceled in 1965, causing tremendous disillusionment to those involved in this formidable technical work.

Many of the chapters in this book relate to the period in which there was lively debate concerning the future direction of computing, particularly regarding the merits of analog computation as compared with the more radical digital paradigm. Here, the author provides informative insight into a number of analog computational machines, including the mighty TRIDAC, which, with its 8,000 thermionic valves (vacuum tubes) and extensive hydraulic systems, may claim to be the world’s largest analog computer.

As would be expected of Lavington, he presents a great deal of informative and wide-ranging discussion within a meticulously integrated framework. Furthermore, scientific and technical developments are recounted with continual reference to the people involved, and first-hand recollections are reproduced where possible and appropriate.

The book comprises 14 chapters and 11 appendices. The discussion moves forward at a rapid pace and continually conveys the author’s knowledgeable enthusiasm for the subject matter. It is supported by extensive references, cited at the end of each chapter. Numerous illustrations are presented, although these are limited to gray-scale reproduction. In addition to the main body of the work, the appendices provide a wealth of information, including fascinating technical information on various computer architectures and instruction sets.

There can be little doubt that this erudite book should appeal to a wide readership, and Lavington should be highly commended for the sterling work that he has carried out in its preparation.

Reviewer:  Barry Blundell Review #: CR139545 (1204-0367)
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