Click. Whir. Buzz.
Not so long ago, math problems had to be solved with pencil and paper,
mail delivered by postman, and files were stored in paper folders and
metal cabinets. But three women, Betty Snyder, Jean Jennings, and Kay
McNulty knew there could be a better way. During World War II, people
hoped ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), one of the
earliest computers, could help with the war effort. With little
guidance, no instructions, and barely any access to the machine itself,
Betty, Jean, and Kay used mathematics, electrical engineering, logic,
and common sense to command a computer as large as a room and create the
modern world. The machine was like Betty, requiring outside-the-box
thinking, like Jean, persistent and consistent, and like Kay, no
mistakes, every answer perfect. Today computers are all around us,
performing every conceivable task, thanks, in large part, to Betty,
Jean, and Kay's pioneering work. Instructions Not Included is their
story.
This fascinating chapter in history is brought to life with vivid prose
by Tami Lewis Brown and Debbie Loren Dunn and with striking
illustrations by Chelsea Beck. Detailed back matter including historical
photos provides a closer look.