Here is a sample of computer science-related books that are new to Gleeson Library. To view additional titles, see New Computer Science Books on the library website.
Literary Theory for Robots: How Computers Learned to Write
“Literary Theory for Robots” by Dennis Yi Tenen explores the intertwined history of literature and computer science, revealing how modern AI is rooted in centuries of human intellectual effort. Yi Tenen argues that AI should be viewed as an extension of existing tools rather than a magical, self-directed entity. The book traces the evolution of machine intelligence from medieval Arabic philosophy to contemporary developments, emphasizing the collaborative nature of human-machine interaction. Yi Tenen encourages readers to look beyond the artifice of AI and recognize it as a product of collective human labor, urging a perspective that celebrates the ongoing partnership between authors and engineers in shaping our technological future
Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines
Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a pioneer in AI research, exposed widespread racial and gender bias in AI services through her groundbreaking work at MIT. Her book, “Unmasking AI,” chronicles her journey from a high school robotics enthusiast to the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League. Buolamwini introduces the concept of the “coded gaze,” revealing how discrimination is encoded in tech products. She applies an intersectional lens to the tech industry, highlighting how various forms of bias can overlap, rendering many people vulnerable in an AI-driven world. Buolamwini calls for algorithmic justice, emphasizing that AI should benefit all people, not just the privileged few.
Konrad Zuse’s Early Computers: The Quest for the Computer in Germany
Konrad Zuse’s pioneering computers, built in Berlin between 1936 and 1945, anticipated key features of modern machines. These included separate processor and memory, floating-point computation, microprogrammed instruction sets, and layered design with high-level programming. Zuse’s Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 computers, developed during World War II, were more advanced than contemporaries like Harvard Mark I and ENIAC. The book details each machine’s architecture, culminating in Plankalkül, the first high-level programming language proposal. This historical account traces Zuse’s remarkable journey from his initial 1936/37 concept to the realization of his visionary machines, offering valuable insights for computer science students and professionals.
The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI
Dr. Fei-Fei Li, creator of ImageNet and a key figure in AI’s recent advancements, shares her journey from immigrant poverty to the forefront of artificial intelligence. Her memoir, “The Worlds I See,” offers a personal account of scientific discovery, detailing her family’s struggles, her passion for physics, and her pivotal role in AI development. Li provides an insider’s perspective on the field’s evolution, exploring both its potential and risks. The book combines emotional depth with intellectual rigor, offering a clear explanation of AI while highlighting the dedication and curiosity driving scientific progress.
Quantum Supremacy: How the Quantum Computer Revolution Will Change Everything
As microchips approach atomic scales, traditional computing faces limitations. Enter quantum computers, which harness atomic properties for unprecedented computational power. These revolutionary machines promise to transform industries, from automotive design to medical research. Their potential applications are vast: cracking encryption, enabling a second Green Revolution, developing super batteries, designing fusion reactors, and unraveling protein folding for disease treatment. Quantum computers may even help solve the mystery of the universe’s origin. Dr. Michio Kaku, a quantum theory expert, enthusiastically explores this scientific frontier and its implications for humanity’s future in his book.
Proving Ground: The Untold Story of the Six Women Who Programmed the World’s First Modern Computer
“Proving Ground” by Kathy Kleiman unveils the untold story of six pioneering women who programmed the ENIAC, the world’s first general-purpose electronic computer, during the post-World War II era. These trailblazers tackled the challenge of programming without existing instruction codes or languages, making significant contributions to technological advancement. Based on extensive interviews with four of the original programmers, Kleiman’s book restores these women to their rightful place in computer history, highlighting their revolutionary work and addressing the ongoing issue of gender imbalance in the tech industry.
The Philosopher of Palo Alto: Mark Weiser, Xerox PARC, and the Original Internet of Things
Mark Weiser, Xerox PARC’s first CTO and “father of ubiquitous computing,” envisioned a future where technology seamlessly enhances our intuition without demanding attention or exploiting data. John Tinnell’s biography explores Weiser’s philosophical approach to computing, his groundbreaking experiments at PARC, and his growing concerns as tech leaders embraced his ideas. The book highlights Weiser’s struggle to initiate a new computing era and his desire for technology to foster deeper connections. Tinnell presents a critical history of the Internet of Things through the lens of Weiser’s life and innovative vision, contrasting it with today’s smart device landscape.
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence: Problem Solving and Automated Reasoning
“Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence: Problem Solving and Automated Reasoning” is a concise, comprehensive textbook on modern AI principles and practices. Written by an AI expert, it covers core techniques including algorithms, data structures, logic, automated reasoning, and problem-solving. The book also explores planning and expert systems. Each chapter features a historical overview, control questions, computer assignments, and independent thought exercises. The text is enriched with visuals and practical examples, making complex concepts accessible. This hands-on guide is designed to optimize learning, offering a balanced mix of theoretical foundations and practical applications, suitable for students and practitioners seeking a solid grounding in AI fundamentals.
Language and the Rise of the Algorithm
“Language and the Rise of the Algorithm” explores the intertwined histories of mathematics, computer science, and linguistics, focusing on the challenge of balancing computational rules with human comprehension. Jeffrey M. Binder examines four historical attempts at universal computation: Leibniz’s calculus ratiocinator, Condorcet’s universal algebra, Boole’s logic system, and the ALGOL programming language. These examples highlight the recurring entanglement of symbolic computation with debates on communication. The book argues that as machine learning blurs the line between technical and everyday language, it challenges the traditional boundary between algorithmic processes and human communication, revealing the profound implications of this convergence.
Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI
“Code Dependent” by Murgia explores the global impact of artificial intelligence on everyday lives. Through diverse stories from a British poet, an UberEats courier, an Indian doctor, and a Chinese activist, the book reveals how AI is reshaping society. It examines AI’s influence on various aspects of life, including education, work, and human rights. Murgia exposes the potential dangers of automated decision-making, highlighting how it can erode individual agency and free will. The book ultimately calls for resistance against unchecked AI development and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming human autonomy in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Book summaries composed with AI-assistance.