Book Review: Ada's Algorithm by James Essinger

 

Ada’s Algorithm      

Author:  James Essinger

Publisher: Melville House

American release date:  September 28, 2015

Format/Genre/Length: Hardback/Computer & Technology Biographies/272 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★

 

George Gordon, Lord Byron, is well-known for being the foremost Romantic poet of his time. But few people appreciate that he had another great achievement – he was the father of a remarkable daughter named Ada (his only legitimate daughter) who is considered to be the first computer programmer at a time when computers did not even exist!

Ada’s Algorithm is the story of Ada Lovelace, who was unquestionably a genius and well ahead of her time as far as computers are concerned. James Essinger delves deeply into her background, through contemporary accounts and existing correspondence, to draw a portrait of a brilliant woman. She had at times a difficult relationship with her mother, and none at all with her famous father, which Byron lamented. It is her friendship with Charles Babbage and her insights into his Analytic Engine, inspired by the Jacquard Loom and its use of cards, that gave rise to her interest in and development of computer programming.  It’s fascinating to consider just how far ahead of her time she was.

This book discusses the people in her life in depth, as well, especially Lord Byron, Lady Byron, and Charles Babbage. It’s a very interesting read, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about our first computer programmer.