Alan Turing

Alan Turing, a British mathematician, transformed the twentieth century with his foundational work in computer science and artificial intelligence. He laid the theoretical groundwork for the modern computer with his concept of a universal machine in 1936, a vision he brought to practical realization with the design of an electronic computer in 1945. During World War II, Turing led the effort to break the German Enigma ciphers, a triumph critical to the Allied victory in the Atlantic. His far-sighted plans also extended to artificial intelligence and the development of the Turing test.

Andrew Hodges' definitive biography, featuring a preface by Douglas Hofstadter, explores both Turing's extraordinary intellectual achievements and the profound personal tragedy of his life. Despite his pivotal contributions, Turing was persecuted for his homosexuality, leading to his arrest, the stripping of his security clearance, and a humiliating treatment program. This meticulously researched account draws on primary sources and interviews to present a comprehensive portrayal of a man whose genius reshaped the world, yet whose life was cut short by societal intolerance, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to resonate today.