Alan Turing

Description

Alan Turing was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. He created one of the first designs for a stored-program computer and is widely considered to be the father of computer science and artificial intelligence. During World War II, Turing worked for the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, Britain's codebreaking centre, where he was responsible for breaking German naval codes, including the supposedly unbreakable Enigma code, and helping the Atlantic convoys avoid German U-boat attacks. This work probably shortened World War II by up to four years, saving millions of lives. This is the story of the amazing life and work of a British hero and one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century.

Jim Eldridge was born in the Kings Cross/Euston area of north London in November 1944. He left school at 16 and did a variety of jobs, before training as a teacher. He taught during the 1970s in disadvantaged areas of Luton, while at the same time writing. He became a full-time writer in 1978. He lives with his wife in Cumbria; and is an associate lecturer at the University of Cumbria.

Interesting and effective biography of the famous mathematician...accessible but with an occasionally challenging vocabulary, it will appeal to a wide range of kids. It might be short but this book is very well-written...and I can imagine will be very useful for use by teachers in cross-curricular activities. This book - and all the others in the Real Lives series - comes recommended by us. -- Jill Murphy * The Bookbag * I very much like this series. It gives just enough information to satisfy the young reader. The narrative form makes history accessible and the range of people covered is interesting as well as relevant to KS3 history. Alan Turing - a remarkable man and excellent to see him the subject of a biography for children. -- Sarah Brew * www.parentsintouch.co.uk * ...written with admirable, accessible clarity of expression, and a genuine sense of striving to understand the various factors that influenced the young Turing's development into the scientist who cracked Enigma. * Jim Eldridge *