First Electronic Computer

The First Electronic Computer is a groundbreaking historical and technical account of John Vincent Atanasoff’s revolutionary work on the world’s first electronic digital computer. Drawing upon years of meticulous research and firsthand experience, coauthors Alice and Arthur Burks trace the remarkable journey of Atanasoff—from his early life and education to his pivotal innovations at Iowa State College in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Atanasoff’s machine—the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC)—proved the feasibility of electronic computation and introduced key concepts, such as electronic switching and regenerative memory, that became foundational to the digital computers that followed. The authors present detailed narratives of Atanasoff’s collaboration with graduate student Clifford Berry and recount the critical sequence of events that linked his invention to the famous ENIAC, commonly celebrated as the first general-purpose electronic computer. With depth and clarity, the book delves into the technical design, development, and operation of the ABC, while candidly addressing the major controversies surrounding computing history. The Burkses examine the intricate web of correspondence, personal interactions, and legal battles—especially the landmark Honeywell v. Sperry Rand patent case—culminating in the federal court’s recognition of Atanasoff’s precedence over ENIAC. Rich in technical detail and engaging historical narrative, The First Electronic Computer offers readers an unparalleled look at the origins of one of the most significant technological revolutions of the twentieth century, acknowledging Atanasoff’s contributions and clarifying his enduring legacy in computing history.