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New International Editions of ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA

Posted on Monday, March 9th, 2015

Above are the covers for two more international editions of Andrew Hodges‘s critically-acclaimed ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA. Respectively, Italian, published by Bollati Boringhieri; and Hungarian, published by Gabo. As is clear from the covers, the biography was the inspiration behind the Oscar-winning movie, THE IMITATION GAME.

Here’s the English-language synopsis…

A dramatic portrayal of the life and work of Alan Turing, Britain’s most extraordinary unsung heroes, and the world’s greatest innovators.

Alan Turing was the mathematician whose cipher-cracking transformed the Second World War. Taken on by British Intelligence in 1938, as a shy young Cambridge don, he combined brilliant logic with a flair for engineering. In 1940 his machines were breaking the Enigma-enciphered messages of Nazi Germany’s air force. He then headed the penetration of the super-secure U-boat communications.

But his vision went far beyond this achievement. Before the war he had invented the concept of the universal machine, and in 1945 he turned this into the first design for a digital computer.

Turing’s far-sighted plans for the digital era forged ahead into a vision for Artificial Intelligence. However, in 1952 his homosexuality rendered him a criminal and he was subjected to humiliating treatment. In 1954, aged 41, Alan Turing took his own life.

ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is published in the UK by Vintage Books and in the US by Princeton University Press, and has been published widely in translation.

THE IMITATION GAME Wins Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay

Posted on Monday, February 23rd, 2015

Based on Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, THE IMITATION GAME last night won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay! Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, the movie began generating Oscar buzz just after its first advance screenings, and great reviews just keep coming. First published in 1983, many consider the biography to be the finest ever written about Turing.

ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is published in the UK by Vintage Books and in the US by Princeton University Press – it has also been published in translation (see Andrew’s author page for a full list). Here’s the synopsis…

The full story behind the persecuted genius of wartime codebreaking and the computer revolution.

A new edition to celebrate Alan Turing’s centenary, includes a new foreword by the author and a preface by Douglas Hofstadter.

Alan Turing was the extraordinary Cambridge mathematician who masterminded the cracking of the German Enigma ciphers and transformed the Second World War. But his vision went far beyond this crucial achievement. Before the war he had formulated the concept of the universal machine, and in 1945 he turned this into the first design for a digital computer.

Turing’s far-sighted plans for the digital era forged ahead into a vision for Artificial Intelligence. However, in 1952 his homosexuality rendered him a criminal and he was subjected to humiliating treatment. In 1954, aged 41, Alan Turing committed suicide and one of Britain’s greatest scientific minds was lost.

New French Cover for THE IMITATION GAME Tie-In

Posted on Monday, February 16th, 2015

Here is a new French cover for the tie-in edition of Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA. The book is published in France and Quebec by Michel Lafon.

Here’s the book’s French synopsis…

Génie de l’informatique et héros de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, Alan Turing est célèbre pour avoir décrypté les communications codées de l’armée allemande en venant à bout d’Enigma, la machine de chiffrement utilisée par les nazis, réputée inviolable.

Il faut dire que lorsqu’il « casse » le code secret allemand, à moins de 30 ans, le mathématicien n’en est pas à son premier coup d’éclat. Déjà, en 1936, il a dessiné les contours d’une première machine programmable, ou « machine de Turing », capable d’effectuer n’importe quel calcul mathématique : c’est l’ancêtre de l’ordinateur.

Après la guerre, Alan Turing poursuit ses recherches et se consacre en pionnier aux possibilités offertes par l’intelligence artificielle. Mais l’ex-héros national est persécuté à cause de son homosexualité et condamné en 1952 à la castration chimique. Deux années plus tard, à l’âge de 41 ans, Alan Turing met fin à ses jours en croquant une pomme empoisonnée au cyanure.

Cette biographie, qui mêle histoire des sciences, politique et philosophie, nous dévoile la vie hors norme de l’inventeur, longtemps méconnu, qui a révolutionné nos vies.

And the English-language synopsis and covers (below)…

It is only a slight exaggeration to say that the British mathematician Alan Turing (1912-1954) saved the Allies from the Nazis, invented the computer and artificial intelligence, and anticipated gay liberation by decades — all before his suicide at age forty-one. This acclaimed biography of the founder of computer science, with a new preface by the author that addresses Turing’s royal pardon in 2013, is the definitive account of an extraordinary mind and life.

Capturing both the inner and outer drama of Turing’s life, Andrew Hodges tells how Turing’s revolutionary idea of 1936 — the concept of a universal machine — laid the foundation for the modern computer and how Turing brought the idea to practical realisation in 1945 with his electronic design. The book also tells how this work was directly related to Turing’s leading role in breaking the German Enigma ciphers during World War II, a scientific triumph that was critical to Allied victory in the Atlantic. At the same time, this is the tragic account of a man who, despite his wartime service, was eventually arrested, stripped of his security clearance, and forced to undergo a humiliating treatment program — all for trying to live honestly in a society that defined homosexuality as a crime.

Andrew Hodges’s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is published in the UK by Vintage Books and in the US by Princeton University Press.

In related news, THE IMITATION GAME won the prestigious Writers Guild Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie also won the USC Libraries Scripter Award back in January. So, you know, you should really go see it. And then read the book.

ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is a Best Science Book of 2014

Posted on Monday, January 26th, 2015

Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA has been named as one of the best physical science books of 2014 by the Guardian newspaper.

In case you are unfamiliar with the book, here is the synopsis…

It is only a slight exaggeration to say that the British mathematician Alan Turing (1912-1954) saved the Allies from the Nazis, invented the computer and artificial intelligence, and anticipated gay liberation by decades — all before his suicide at age forty-one. This acclaimed biography of the founder of computer science, with a new preface by the author that addresses Turing’s royal pardon in 2013, is the definitive account of an extraordinary mind and life.

Capturing both the inner and outer drama of Turing’s life, Andrew Hodges tells how Turing’s revolutionary idea of 1936 — the concept of a universal machine — laid the foundation for the modern computer and how Turing brought the idea to practical realisation in 1945 with his electronic design. The book also tells how this work was directly related to Turing’s leading role in breaking the German Enigma ciphers during World War II, a scientific triumph that was critical to Allied victory in the Atlantic. At the same time, this is the tragic account of a man who, despite his wartime service, was eventually arrested, stripped of his security clearance, and forced to undergo a humiliating treatment program — all for trying to live honestly in a society that defined homosexuality as a crime.

Published in the UK by Vintage Books and in the US by Princeton University Press, ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is also the inspiration behind THE IMITATION GAME, a film starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, which has been generating plenty of Oscars and other award buzz. (The covers above are for the UK and US tie-in editions.)

In related news, and of interest to Turing fans everywhere, Andrew Hodges has penned some catalogue copy for a rare, secret notebook of the mathematician’s which will be sold at auction in April 2015: ‘Alan Turing was parsimonious with his words and everything from his pen has special value. This notebook shines extra light on how, even when he was enmeshed in great world events, he remained committed to free-thinking work in pure mathematics.’

THE IMITATION GAME Sweeps Five Golden Globes Nominees

Posted on Tuesday, December 16th, 2014

THE IMITATION GAME, the movie inspired by Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, has garnered a whole host of Golden Globe nominations. Coming in the wake of near-unanimous acclaim for the movie, this is fantastic news. The book is published by Vintage Books (UK) and Princeton University Press (US), and is out now.

The movie has been nominated for Best Film Drama, Best Actor in a Drama (Benedict Cumberbatch), Best Supporting Actress in a Drama (Keira Knightley), Best Screenplay, and Best Score. The Golden Globe Awards will be give on January 11th, 2015. Here’s the movie trailer, again:

Here’s the book’s synopsis…

The official book behind the film, THE IMITATION GAME. This is a dramatic portrayal of the life and work of Alan Turing, Britain’s most extraordinary unsung heroes, and the world’s greatest innovators.

Alan Turing was the mathematician whose cipher-cracking transformed the Second World War. Taken on by British Intelligence in 1938, as a shy young Cambridge don, he combined brilliant logic with a flair for engineering. In 1940 his machines were breaking the Enigma-enciphered messages of Nazi Germany’s air force. He then headed the penetration of the super-secure U-boat communications.

But his vision went far beyond this achievement. Before the war he had invented the concept of the universal machine, and in 1945 he turned this into the first design for a digital computer.

Turing’s far-sighted plans for the digital era forged ahead into a vision for Artificial Intelligence. However, in 1952 his homosexuality rendered him a criminal and he was subjected to humiliating treatment. In 1954, aged 41, Alan Turing took his own life.

Andrew Hodges Event This Sunday at CalTech

Posted on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014

At 2pm this Sunday, December 7th, Caltech University is hosting Andrew Hodges for a lecture about his critically-acclaimed book ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA. The lecture will take place in the Baxter Lecture Hall. Seating is limited, so admittance will be purely on a first come first served basis. Tickets are $10 for Skeptics Society members and the JPL/Caltech community, $15 for nonmembers.

The lecture will be followed by a book signing, and the organisers of the event will have copies of the book available for purchase.

Andrew’s book has been much in the news recently (here and also mainstream media) because it is the inspiration behind the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring movie THE IMITATION GAME, which opened in US cinemas last week. Movie tie-in editions of the book were published last week by Vintage Books (UK), Princeton University Press (North America) and Michel Lafon (France/Quebec).

THE IMITATION GAMES Opens in US Cinemas Today!

Posted on Friday, November 28th, 2014

THE IMITATION GAME, the movie inspired by Andrew Hodges‘s critically-acclaimed ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA – the definitive biography of the genius mathematician who helped crack the Enigma Code during the war – opens today in North American cinemas.

The book, released this week in tie-in editions, is published by Vintage Books in the UK and Princeton University Press in the US. Here’s just a small selection of praise that the book has enjoyed…

‘A first-rate presentation of the life of a first-rate scientific mind… it is hard to imagine a more thoughtful and warm biography than this one.’ — New York Times Book Review

‘Andrew Hodges, in this fine biography… brings Turing the thinker and Turing the man alive for the reader and thus allows us all to share in the privilege of knowing him.’ — Financial Times

‘One of the finest scientific biographies ever written.’ — New Yorker

‘Andrew Hodge’s book is of exemplary scholarship and sympathy. Intimate, perceptive and insightful, it’s also the most readable biography I’ve picked up in some time.’ — Time Out

‘This book stands the test of time. It is a labour of love… compelling.’ — Energy and Technology

‘This is not a book to be argued about. It is a book to be read.’ — New Scientist

‘One of the finest scientific biographies I’ve ever read: authoritative, superbly researched, deeply sympathetic and beautifully told.’ — Sylvia Nasar, author of A Beautiful Mind

The movie has also been receiving rave reviews, as can be attested to with the image below…

THE IMITATION GAME Opens today in UK Cinemas!

Posted on Friday, November 14th, 2014

THE IMITATION GAME, the movie inspired by Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA – the definitive biography of the genius mathematician who helped crack the Enigma Code during the war – opens today in UK cinemas!

The book, released this week in tie-in editions, is published by Vintage Books in the UK and Princeton University Press in the US. Here’s just a small selection of praise that the book has enjoyed…

‘Andrew Hodges, in this fine biography… brings Turing the thinker and Turing the man alive for the reader and thus allows us all to share in the privilege of knowing him.’ — Financial Times

‘Life and work are both made enthralling by Hodges, himself a scientist.’ — Sunday Times

‘Andrew Hodge’s book is of exemplary scholarship and sympathy. Intimate, perceptive and insightful, it’s also the most readable biography I’ve picked up in some time.’ — Time Out

‘Save your money for the forthcoming new edition of Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, regarded by many as one of the greatest biographies of anyone, let alone Turing.’ — BBC Focus Magazine

‘This is not a book to be argued about. It is a book to be read.’ — New Scientist

Publication Week: Andrew Hodges’s THE ENIGMA/THE IMITATION GAME

Posted on Monday, November 10th, 2014

Today marks the US publication of THE IMITATION GAME tie-in edition of Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, and what turns out to be quite the Alan Turing week!

The US edition of the book is published by Princeton University Press. The UK edition, published by Vintage Books, follows this Thursday – the same day as the movie opens in British cinemas (it opens in the US on 28th November). Here’s the synopsis…

The official book behind the film, THE IMITATION GAME. This is a dramatic portrayal of the life and work of Alan Turing, Britain’s most extraordinary unsung heroes, and the world’s greatest innovators.

Alan Turing was the mathematician whose cipher-cracking transformed the Second World War. Taken on by British Intelligence in 1938, as a shy young Cambridge don, he combined brilliant logic with a flair for engineering. In 1940 his machines were breaking the Enigma-enciphered messages of Nazi Germany’s air force. He then headed the penetration of the super-secure U-boat communications.

But his vision went far beyond this achievement. Before the war he had invented the concept of the universal machine, and in 1945 he turned this into the first design for a digital computer.

Turing’s far-sighted plans for the digital era forged ahead into a vision for Artificial Intelligence. However, in 1952 his homosexuality rendered him a criminal and he was subjected to humiliating treatment. In 1954, aged 41, Alan Turing took his own life.

You can find out more about the movie by following its UK and US Twitter accounts. Check back tomorrow for more on Andrew Hodges’s book that inspired THE IMITATION GAME…

Cover Reveal: French Language IMITATION GAME Tie-In

Posted on Friday, October 17th, 2014

THE IMITATION GAME, the movie inspired by Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, has been gathering a lot of positive attention, recently. Not only did the movie open to rave reviews at the Toronto Film Festival (not to mention other film festivals), but we also unveiled the English-language tie-in editions for Hodges’s book. Above is the French-language edition, which is due to be published in France and Canada by Michel Lafon in December 2014. Here’s the synopsis…

Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, this is the official film tie-in for THE IMITATION GAME, a the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.

This film tie-in tells the true story behind the nail-biting race against time following Alan Turing (pioneer of modern-day computing and credited with cracking the German Enigma code) and his brilliant team at Britain’s top-secret code-breaking centre, Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. Turing, whose contributions and genius significantly shortened the war, saving thousands of lives, was the eventual victim of an unenlightened British establishment, but his work and legacy live on.1954, aged 41, Alan Turing committed suicide and one of Britain’s greatest scientific minds was lost.

Here are just a handful of reviews the biography has received…

‘One of the finest scientific biographies ever written.’ — New Yorker

‘Andrew Hodges, in this fine biography… brings Turing the thinker and Turing the man alive for the reader and thus allows us all to share in the privilege of knowing him.’ — Financial Times

‘This rather shadowy figure has now finally been lifted into the light of day… it has to be said that Andrew Hodges has put together an extraordinary story.’ — Sunday Telegraph

ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is published in the UK by Vintage Books and in the US by Princeton University Press. The English-language tie-in editions (below) will be published in November 2014.

Cover Reveal: Andrew Hodges’s THE IMITATION GAME Tie-In Editions

Posted on Friday, October 10th, 2014

We’ve already shared with you the trailer and early responses to Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, but now we can finally unveil the tie-in edition covers! Andrew’s book inspired the upcoming Benedict Cumberbatch-starring THE IMITATION GAME. Vintage Books (left) publishes the book in the UK and Princeton University Press publishes in the US. The tie-in editions are due to hit shelves in mid-November, around the time of the movie’s release in cinemas.

Here’s the synopsis…

Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, this is the official film tie-in for The Imitation Game, a the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.

This film tie-in tells the true story behind the nail-biting race against time following Alan Turing (pioneer of modern-day computing and credited with cracking the German Enigma code) and his brilliant team at Britain’s top-secret code-breaking centre, Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. Turing, whose contributions and genius significantly shortened the war, saving thousands of lives, was the eventual victim of an unenlightened British establishment, but his work and legacy live on.1954, aged 41, Alan Turing committed suicide and one of Britain’s greatest scientific minds was lost.

Below is the full cover wrap…

And, finally, the latest trailer for the movie…

Early Oscar Buzz for THE IMITATION GAME

Posted on Monday, September 1st, 2014

We’re delighted to report that THE IMITATION GAME, a movie inspired by Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA biography of Alan Turing, has been receiving some well-deserved early Oscar buzz! The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, as well as Keira Knightley, Mark Strong and many other great British actors. The buzz has grown, as have the number of great responses, since the film’s screening at the Telluride Film Festival.

Variety reported that the movie is ‘clearly an awards contender: Complex, impeccably executed and unique. The film’s offbeat approach to an oddball character will be its greatest strength…’

Meanwhile, the Hollywood Reporter wrote that that movie ‘is already being called a cross between A Beautiful Mind (2001) and The King’s Speech (2010), two films that won the best picture Oscar.’ The HR continues, ‘Cumberbatch is perfect… [and] is surrounded in the film by an excellent supporting ensemble… the overall product is interesting, enjoyable and, my gut tells me, the stuff happy Oscar seasons are made of.’ In a separate review, the Hollywood Reporter called the movie ‘Engrossing, nicely textured and sadly tragic… dominating it all is Cumberbatch, whose charisma, tellingly modulated and naturalistic array of eccentricities, Sherlockian talent at indicating a mind never at rest and knack for simultaneously portraying physical oddness and attractiveness combine to create an entirely credible portrait of genius at work.’

Deadline Hollywood‘s review, likewise, declared that THE IMITATION GAME ‘just has Academy Award nominations written all over it’, and in particular singled out the ‘stunning lead actor performance of new Emmy winner Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing.’

Andrew Hodges‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is published in the UK by Vintage and in the US by Princeton University Press. It has also been published in translation in select other markets (please inquire for details of available rights).

THE IMITATION GAME News and Teaser Trailer!

Posted on Friday, July 25th, 2014

ImitationGame-Still1 — Weinstein/StudioCanal

Here at Zeno Towers, we’re very excited about the upcoming THE IMITATION GAME, the movie adaptation of Andrew Hodges‘s critically-acclaimed ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA. Today, we have a number of great pieces of news to share with you.

First up, the BBC has reported that the movie will open the London Film Festival on October 8th at the Odeon Leicester Square. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, with Keira Knightley, Mark Strong, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, Matthew Goode and Rory Kinnear also starring.

The film’s distributor, Studio Canal, has announced that THE IMITATION GAME will receive a wider release in cinemas in the UK on November 14th, 2014.

Most exciting of all, however, is the new teaser trailer, released through Studio Canal’s YouTube channel. You can also watch it below…

There have also been some excellent very early – not to mention unofficial – responses reported, following a secretive test screening in New York. London Film Festival Director Clare Stewart told the BBC that the film featured ‘extraordinary performances’ and that the film ‘does cinematic justice to Alan Turing’s vision, determination and personal story as well as his enduring impact on British history and contemporary life.’ Empire Magazine were able to get their hands on a couple of new stills from the film, one of which includes Charles Dance – perhaps best known to SFF fans as Tywin Lannister in the HBO adapatation of Game of Thrones.

Andrew Hodges‘s biography, ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, is published in the UK by Vintage and in the US by Princeton University Press. It has been translated multiple times for other foreign markets. You can keep up to date on news about the film via its official Twitter account and, of course, here.

Upcoming TURING Event featuring Andrew Hodges

Posted on Monday, June 30th, 2014

On August 17th, Andrew Hodges will give a talk on ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, his critically-acclaimed, definitive biography of the founder of computer science. The event will be held at Bletchley Park.

Here’s how the venue’s description of the event and Hodges’s work:

Hodges tells how Turing’s revolutionary idea of 1936–the concept of a universal machine–laid the foundation for the modern computer and how Turing brought the idea to practical realization in 1945 with his electronic design. How this work was directly related to Turing’s leading role in breaking the German Enigma ciphers during World War II, a scientific triumph that was critical to Allied victory in the Atlantic. At the same time, this is the tragic story of a man who, despite his wartime service, was eventually arrested and forced to undergo a humiliating treatment programme – all for trying to live honestly in a society that defined homosexuality as a crime.

After Andrew’s talk at 14.00, there will be a Q & A Session (15:00) and also a book signing after Tea & Cake.

Tickets for the day are £20 per person, which includes admission to Bletchley Park’s exhibitions and galleries (open from 9:30am). There is also a Bundle Ticket option, for £28, which includes a copy of the book. More information can be found here.

ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is published in the UK by Vintage Books, and in the US by Princeton University Press. It has also been translated for other markets. More information can be found on Hodges’s author page. The book is currently being adapted for a film, THE IMITATION GAME, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, due for release later this year. The book was also chosen by Michael Holroyd as part of a list of 50 ‘essential’ books in The Guardian.

Andrew Hodges, Alan Turing & The Pet Shop Boys…

Posted on Thursday, June 5th, 2014

Credits: Vintage Books (Cover), Philadelphia Enquirer (Pet Shop Boys)

On 23 July 2014, the Pet Shop Boys (Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe) are set to premiere their latest musical work, A MAN FROM THE FUTURE. The piece was written for orchestra, choir, and electronics and will have a narrator using material based on Andrew Hodge‘s ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, the critically-acclaimed biography of the wartime code-breaker. Andrew collaborated with Tennant and Lowe on the piece, and the performance incorporates texts and excerpts from Andrew’s book, which will be read by an as-yet-unannounced narrator.

The show will open the season of Late Night Proms in the Albert Hall, London. This particular event has already sold out, but it will of course be broadcast by the BBC. Further details can be found on the Pet Shop Boys’ website.

Speaking about the concert to NME, the Pet Shop Boys said: ‘It is an honour for us to be invited to present some new music at The Proms and to celebrate Alan Turing 60 years after his death.’

A portion of A MAN FROM THE FUTURE has already been performed live: the song ‘He Dreamed of Machines’. Below is a YouTube clip, which includes an introduction about Alan Turing…

More Turing-related music news and information can be found on The Turing Centenary (+ Bicentennial) website. As the site states, ‘Turing has inspired rather a lot of music recently’, and there you can find a number of interesting links.

ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA is published in the UK by Vintage Books, and in the US by Princeton University Press, and has been translated into multiple languages for publication around the world.

As we have reported before, the biography has also been adapted into a movie, starring Benedict Cumberbatch (below) and Keira Knightley. Production began last year, and we will share more news about both of these projects as it comes in.