Information a history a theory a flood by james gleick. A history, a theory, a flood, his sweeping survey of how humans use information and how this practice. The story of information begins in a time profoundly unlike our own, when every thought and utterance vanished as soon as it was born. Apr 23, 2011 an information theory that considers just the signal and neglects the receiver is limited. Apr, 2011 the past folds accordionlike into the present, james gleick writes in the information. Booktopia the information, a history, a theory, a flood by. Apr 29, 2011 gleick shows how information theory also breathed new life into psychology, leading to the emergence of cognitive science and the socalled informational turn, where the basic ingredient for. A history, a theory, a flood is a book by science history. Wilson literary science writing awardfrom the bestselling author of the acclaimed chaos and genius comes a thoughtful and provocative exploration of the big ideas of the modern era.
It is a book that vibrates with excitement, and it transmits that excited vibration with very little signal loss. The one thing that binds us together is our history. It is the only serious complaint about a deeply impressive and rather beautiful book. The information1st edition a history, a theory, a flood by james gleick hardcover, 544 pages, published 2011 by pantheon deckle edge isbn. From the bestselling author of the acclaimed chaos and genius comes a thoughtful and provocative exploration of the big ideas of the modern era. Booktopia has the information, a history, a theory, a flood by james gleick. Proponents of flood geology state that native global flood stories are documented as history or legend in almost every region on earth. The approach leans toward the theoretical conceptions of information and barely acknowledges the kind of information we usually think of as new ideas entering our minds. The extensive citations are welcomed as the author barely scratches the surface of any theory of information.
A history, a theory, a flood by james gleick is 426 pages of carefully researched and closely written ideas about what information really is. In a sense, the information is a book about everything, from words themselves to talking drums, writing and lexicography, early attempts at an analytical engine, the telegraph and telephone, eniac, and the ubiquitous computers that followed. James gleick, the author of the best sellers chaos and genius, n. James gleick from the invention of scripts and alphabets to the long misunderstood talking drums of africa, james gleick tells the story of information technologies that changed the very nature of human. A history, a theory, a flood by james gleick has a rather nebulous title and the subtitle doesnt really help one understand what this book hopes to be about. Information theory began as a bridge from mathematics to.
It pervades the sciences from top to bottom, transforming every branch of knowledge. A fascinating intellectual journey through the history of communication and information, from the language of africas talking drums to the invention of written alphabets. These flood tales are frequently linked by common elements that parallel the biblical account including the warning of the coming flood, the construction of a boat in advance, the storage of animals, the inclusion of family, and the release of birds to. A history, a theory, a flood from the worlds largest community of readers. A history, a theory, a flood enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. Mar 24, 2011 ive just finished reading the information. A history, a theory, a flood is a book by science history writer james gleick published in march 2011 which covers the genesis of our current information age. Gleick introduces claude shannon, who wrote the seminal papers on information theory. A history, a theory, a flood in new york journal of books. This is part of what noted science writer james gleick explores in the information.
A history, a theory, a flood in new york journal of. Floods occur most commonly when water from heavy rainfall, from melting ice and snow, or from a combination of these exceeds the carrying capacity of the river system, lake, or the like into which it runs. All of these plus the alphabet, logarithms, vacuum tubes, quantum particles, morse code, and more. I had to read it, and when i saw it at the carrot common location of book city, just. He explores where the age of information is taking. Gleick shows how information theory also breathed new life into psychology, leading to the emergence of cognitive science and the socalled informational turn, where the basic ingredient for. A history, a theory, a flood, by james gleick, new york. All content included on our site, such as text, images, digital downloads and other, is the property of its content suppliers and protected by us and international laws. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the information. A history, a theory, a flood summary the information is an examination of the history of information theory as well as an essay on how computers and the internet have changed the way in which people interact with and approach information. Acclaimed science writer james gleick presents an eyeopening vision of how our relationship to information has transformed the very nature of human consciousness. Mar 20, 2011 shannons paper, published the same year as the invention of the transistor, instantaneously created the field of information theory, with broad applications in engineering and computer science.
World book online is an engaging, verified, and trustworthy digital resource for grades prek through high school. An information theory that considers just the signal and neglects the receiver is limited. It was on the new york times bestseller list for three weeks following its debut. Buy a discounted paperback of the information online from australias leading online bookstore. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. James gleick get textbooks new textbooks used textbooks. From the invention of scripts and alphabets to the long misunderstood talking drums of africa, james gleick tells the story of information technologies that changed the very nature of human consciousness.
When information is cheap, attention becomes expensive. It was on the new york times bestseller list for three weeks following its debut the information has also been published in ebook formats by fourth estate and random house, and as an audiobook by random house audio. Shannons paper, published the same year as the invention of the transistor, instantaneously created the field of information theory, with broad applications in engineering and computer science. A history, a theory, a flood ebook written by james gleick. I had to read it, and when i saw it at the carrot common location of book city, just sitting there on a table, i picked it up and bought it. By james gleick from the prologue we can see now that information is what our world runs on. We sort the mail, build sandcastles, solve jigsaw puzzles, separate wheat from chaff, rearrange chess pieces, collect stamps, alphabetize books. A history, a theory, a flood book online at best prices in india on. A history, a theory, a flood, by james gleick, new. A history, a theory, a flood, james gleicks tourdeforce history of information theory. A historical account by the association of state floodplain managers april 2000 association of state floodplain managers 2809 fish hatchery road, suite 204, madison, wi 537 tel. The past folds accordionlike into the present, james gleick writes in the information. Author and journalist james gleick tells the story of information technologies that, he claims, changed the very nature of human consciousness.
What do electrical circuits have in common with african talking drums and the human genome. The theory focuses on such 20thcentury notables as claude shannon, norbert. I was particularly thrilled to learn about the influence information theory had on the development of modern physics, evolution and biology, as well as. Information, communication, and information theory. Get 50% off this audiobook at the audiobooksnow online audio book store and download or stream it right to your computer, smartphone or tablet.
A history, a theory, a flood by james gleick in doc, fb2, txt download ebook. Mar 01, 2011 a fascinating intellectual journey through the history of communication and information, from the language of africas talking drums to the invention of written alphabets. Dec 10, 20 author and journalist james gleick tells the story of information technologies that, he claims, changed the very nature of human consciousness. A history, a theory, a flood lesson plan is downloadable in pdf and word. Whether you are seeking representing the ebook by james gleick information a history a theory a. From the invention of scripts and alphabets to the long misunderstood talking drums of africa, james gleick tells the story of information technologies that, he claims, changed the very nature of human consciousness.
Stay up to speed on all we have to offerplus activities, crafts, and blogs for parents and educators in our newsletter. The information isnt just a natural history of a powerful idea. The author managed to synthesize the history, the theory, and the flood of information to produce actual knowledge, an understanding of the role information plays in the world of human beings. The information has also been published in ebook formats by fourth estate and. Shannon and alan turing both worked on cracking nazi.
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