Before the Computer

The book delves into the evolution of the data processing industry in the U.S. from its 19th-century origins to the rise of computers. James Cortada reexamines the perception of computers as revolutionary, framing them instead as a continuation of the office appliance industry, which included typewriters and adding machines. Utilizing previously inaccessible archives, he provides insights into IBM's history and offers corporate overviews of companies like NCR and Burroughs. The work also includes comparative perspectives from Europe and Asia, highlighting the industry's significant economic influence.