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The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson is a fascinating and well-researched book that delves into the life and work of scientist and mathematician Alan Turing. The book provides a detailed and captivating account of Turing’s groundbreaking work during World War II, including his development of the famous “Turing machine” and his crucial role in cracking the German Enigma code.
Isaacson’s writing is clear and engaging, making complex mathematical concepts accessible to a general audience. He also does an excellent job of placing Turing’s work in the larger historical context of the war and the early days of computer science.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its exploration of Turing’s personal life, including his homosexuality and the discrimination he faced as a result. Isaacson makes a convincing case that Turing’s persecution by the British government was a tragic loss for both him and the world at large.
Overall, “The Code Breaker” is a compelling and informative read that provides a new understanding of Alan Turing and his impact on the world. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in science, technology, and WWII history.
Notable People Mentioned in the Book :
Throughout the book, Isaacson also mentions other characters who were important figures in Turing’s life and work, including:
- Gordon Welchman, a fellow codebreaker at Bletchley Park who helped design and build the Bombe, the machine used to break the Enigma code.
- Dilly Knox, a veteran codebreaker who mentored Turing and became one of his closest colleagues at Bletchley Park.
- Joan Clarke, a fellow codebreaker at Bletchley Park who was also a close friend and briefly engaged to Turing.
- Max Newman, a mathematician and computer scientist who was a mentor and colleague of Turing’s at the University of Manchester.
- Christopher Morcom, a schoolfriend of Turing, who died young and whom Turing always considered his first love.
Isaacson also describes the people who were responsible for the persecution of Turing because of his homosexuality, and the impact of the laws and the society of the time on his life.
It is worth noting that this book focuses mainly on Alan Turing’s life and work and the characters mentioned here are to give context and background to understand his life and achievements.
