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James Essinger

    James Essinger crafts fiction that explores the complexities of personal relationships, the allure of travel, the weight of history, the impact of information technology, and the strategic intricacies of chess. His non-fiction pursuits delve into the history of computing and the nature of language. Essinger's writing offers a thoughtful perspective, drawing from a rich tapestry of interests to illuminate his chosen subjects.

    Starting a High-Income Consultancy
    Ada's Algorithm
    Charles and Ada
    Spellbound: The Surprising Origins and Astonishing Secrets of English Spelling
    Jacquard's Web
    Frankie: How One Woman Prevented a Pharmaceutical Disaster
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019

      Ten million thalidomide pills had already been produced for distribution in the United States when it was first submitted to the FDA for approval. The morning sickness wonder drug had been approved for sale in Germany, Canada, and the UK, and the drug's distributors assumed that it would be no different in the United States. The answer they received was unexpected and it needed more testing.It later came to light that thalidomide was causing severe birth defects throughout the world, and that Frances Kelsey, the FDA pharmacologist who had denied the drug's approval, was in fact a hero. Her courageous and unwavering integrity proved to be decisive in preventing one of the greatest pharmaceutical disasters of the twentieth century.Now, in this first ever biography, the fascinating and unlikely hero is portrayed in full detail. Read about the quiet, matter-of-fact woman who stood up to a major pharmaceutical company, did her job in the face of enormous pressure, and when presented with the highest civic honors, credited her whole team with the accomplishment. It's an incredible story of integrity in the moment of truth, of the power of humble courage, and of hundreds of thousands of lives saved by an ordinary woman.

      Frankie: How One Woman Prevented a Pharmaceutical Disaster
    • 2019

      Writing Fiction - a user-friendly guide

      • 192 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      This guide offers practical advice for aspiring writers aiming to elevate their fiction to a professional level. It covers essential elements such as character development, plot structure, and narrative techniques, providing tools and strategies to enhance creativity and refine writing skills. With insights into the publishing process and tips for overcoming common challenges, the book serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to succeed in the competitive world of fiction writing.

      Writing Fiction - a user-friendly guide
    • 2019

      Charles and Ada

      • 256 pages
      • 9 hours of reading
      3.4(19)Add rating

      The first book to reveal the intensity of the relationship between Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace; an outstanding contribution to historical STEM literature

      Charles and Ada
    • 2019

      So what are you saying, Josh?' Lindsay asked me, `that there's a secret Roman town down here where people speak Latin and which nobody knows about in the world we come from?' This extraordinary, highly imaginative, hugely entertaining novel tells the story of fifteen-year-old Josh Moonford, his younger twin brother and sister Sam and Dora, Cornish girl Lindsay Penhaligon, warm-hearted gang leader Troy Wilson and arrogant sixth-former (and self-proclaimed genius) Declan Jacques, and their mind-blowing adventure in the underground high-tech Roman world of Cantia, located beneath the famous cathedral city of Canterbury. Can Josh and his friends - aided by the world-famous movie star Carlo Clancy - end the brutal Cantian revolution that could lead to disaster for our world?

      Josh Moonford and the Lost City of Cantia
    • 2016

      How Ada Lovelace, Lord Byron's daughter, became the world's first computer programmer in 1842 and would have started the digital age.

      Ada's Algorithm
    • 2007

      The evolution of the English language unfolds as a captivating journey filled with unexpected accidents and peculiar developments. James Essinger delves into the complexities and quirks of English, revealing the fascinating stories behind its words. This engaging exploration not only entertains but also sheds light on long-standing linguistic puzzles, making it a must-read for anyone intrigued by language and its history.

      Spellbound: The Surprising Origins and Astonishing Secrets of English Spelling
    • 2004

      Jacquard's Web

      How a Hand-Loom Led to the Birth of the Information Age

      • 316 pages
      • 12 hours of reading
      3.7(140)Add rating

      The narrative explores the remarkable journey of inventors who shaped the modern information age, tracing the origins of a hand-loom from Napoleonic France. It highlights the interconnectedness of innovation and technology, illustrating how early inventions laid the groundwork for contemporary advancements. Through engaging storytelling, the book delves into the lives and contributions of these brilliant minds, showcasing their impact on society and the evolution of information technology.

      Jacquard's Web