Product Description

An unprecedented combination of computer history and striking images, Core Memory reveals modern technology's evolution through the world's most renowned computer collection, the Computer History Museum in the Silicon Valley. Vivid photos capture these historically important machines including the Eniac, Crays 1 3, Apple I and II while authoritative text profiles each, telling the stories of their innovations and peculiarities. Thirty-five machines are profiled in over 100 extraordinary color photographs, making Core Memory a surprising addition to the library of photography collectors and the ultimate geek-chic gift.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #109407 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

About the Author
Mark Richards's work has been featured in numerous publications. He lives in Mill Valley, California.

John Alderman, author of Sonic Boom, lives in San Francisco.

Customer Reviews

Mixed feelings about this book, but I am glad I own it.
The book is a great overview of the history of commerical/military computer development in the last 60+ years. Hits most of the major models, and mentions why they're in the book. Each one was a special devleopment in it's time for one reason or another.

But after reading it, I wish it was about 2x the size, physically. It's a large book alredy, but it should be art-sized. And it could EASILY be several hundreds of pages. I know it's more of an overview book, but it would be great if each model had it's own chapter, including design diagrams, pictures of the installations, programmers, builders, etc.

On it's own it's a great book, and well worth the money. But the computer-nerd in me sees the potential of this content...

Fantastic, but a tease
It's absolutely wonderful to see these pioneering machines - many of which no longer exist in working form - commemorated in this way. The photography is superb, the range of machines covered is broad, the print quality is excellent.

But I find myself wanting more. More photographs of each machine, and more information. Or at very least pointers to easily obtained information - the few references given are obscure and impossibel to access outside of a large, US, academic library.

A great gift book - especially for those newbies who think that the first computer was called the IBM PC, or the Apple ][.

A wonderful trip back in time
This book is a wonderful trip back in time for those of us old enough to have lived through most of the computer age. I saw front panels and innards of computers I had programmed years ago that were almost forgotten.

If you're an old timer, this book will bring on waves of nostalgia. If you are younger, you'll get a look at how computers were made back when the parts were still big enough to see.

Highly recommended!