This book, aimed at general readers, covers the entirety of computing history from antiquity to the present, placing the story of computing into the broader context of politics, economics, society, and more. Computers dominate the world we live in, and this book describes how we got here. The Computer: A Brief History of the Machine That Changed the World covers topics from early efforts at mathematical computation back in ancient times, such as the abacus and the Antikythera device, through Babbage's Difference Engine and the Hollerith Tabulating Machines of the 19th century, to the eventual invention of the modern computer during World War II and its aftermath. The scope of the text reaches into the modern day, with chapters on social media and the influence of computers and technology on recent elections. The information in this book, perfect for readers new to the topic or those looking to delve into the history of computers in greater detail, can be accessed both chronologically and topically. With chapters focusing on larger time periods as well as shorter subsections covering specific people and topics, this book is designed to make the history of computing as approachable as possible.

Victory, speedy and complete, awaits the side that employs air power as it should be employed-Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, Bomber Command War in the air, like any other domain, is subject to the whims of Fate. Throughout history, humans have always asked "What if?" Violent Blue Yonder explores what happens when that question gets asked hundreds (or thousands) of feet above sea level. Do you like the age of "canvas falcons?" Come along as Sarah Hoyt, the 2018 Dragon Award Winner for Alternate History, surmises what could have happened had The Red Baron survived World War I. Or alternatively (pun intended), let Rob Howell ("In Dark'ning Storms") and Joelle Presby ("Friends In High Places") lay out opposite sides of early American intervention in airpower's first conflict. More a fan of closed canopies and superchargers than flimsy, flammable death traps? See how the German Luftwaffe gains the upper hand in a Second Battle of Britain in "Londonfall." Or see different events in the Pacific as William Alan Webb cuts in with "Sword of the Sun," a tale set in his A World Afire universe. Finally, if worlds afire are your thing, we have 2010 Sidewise Award Winner Eric Swedin having the Cold War go brilliantly hot in "Foolish Games." Prefer your Cold War to have less thermonuclear annihilation? See what happens when former Flying Tigers and Tuskegee Airmen team up in Justin Watson's "Red Tailed Tigers." Bottom line: Whether you like your aviation fiction to "make kills" or "make history," there's something for you in Violent Blue Yonder. As the first of three Arc of Ares anthologies, this book sets the alternate history tone in a way that would amuse the Greek war god himself. So grab a helmet and map case, as these twelve tales are about to take you on sorties you won't forget! Editor's Note: Also includes an excerpt from James Young's Acts of War, the first book in the Usurper's War: An Alternate World War II-series.

The Killing of Greybird is a vivid, well-told saga of the lost days of pioneer Utah--of the effects of war and ethnic hatred on a society learning to live Christ-like lives. the characters of this novel reflects author Swedin's careful attention to human nature; his characters teach us by overcoming tragedy through the grace of the gospel.In the unfolding story you'll discover a wonderful character, David Halliday, unravelling mystery through attention to human nature and observation--not through simple plot devices.