The Supermen: The Story of Seymour Cray and the Technical Wizards Behind the Supercomputer

by Charles J. Murray

Book Overview

The SUPERMEN After a rare speech at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, in 1976, programmers in the audience had suddenly fallen silent when Cray offered to answer... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471048852
• ISBN13: 9780471048855
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The Supermen -- details make this book

This was an excellent bnook for any one interested in the evolution of super computers. Perhaps even for those with no background in the industry. This is not only a story of techological change, but of a maverick as well. Small versus conglomerate. From the beginning, one reads how a small group of engineers can make somethjing extraoridinary. The book does not diminish the importance of money in the ultimate outcome. What I liked was the specifics. The details of how a Cray machine accomplished the tasks required for the niche it was intended for. The "why" of engineering decisions and the "how" problems were resolved. This is certainly a good read for any one interested in not only the history of the computer industry (told in the manner of a novel), but of how dedicated people can innovate, even with the ordinary.

Moving Story of Seymour Cray's Passion

Few biographies of computer heavyweights have moved me like this short, 232-page volume. This book is a nicely written chronicle of Seymour Cray and his supercomputing associates. The book covers Cray's entire professional career - from Cray's early days with pioneering Engineering Research Associates until his death (from injuries in an auto accident) in 1996 as he struggled to reinvent the glory days of super-computing with a new company, SRC (Seymour Roger Cray) Computers.By the way, as a native of Minnesota and Wisconsin, it was pleasant to recall that Control Data and Cray Computing made the area around St. Paul (Wisconsin is just across the river) one of the hottest technology areas for two decades.Cray was totally absorbed in computing. If you share some of his passion, you will love this. Non-tech types will not enjoy it and will wonder why he did not "get a life."

Best book on Supercomputer History

If you are into high preformance computing and still think that it just sort of happend all at once and had no begining then buy this book. We owe almost all of our computer advances to Seymore Cray and what he did for Computer Science. When you look at Chip or a computer you will always see his work in there somewhere. That's why you should get this book for your own enlightenment about CS History.

A Fascinating Read about Super Computing

By far, this book is a must read for any computer enthusiast. From the early days of drum hard drives through nuclear explosion modeling, The Supermen will captivate your mind and force your eyes to read more. From Seymour Cray's early days at Control Data through Cray Reasearch's end, you will experience firsthand the methodical and torturous mind of "god." In the end, you will walk away inspired and deeply impressed by one man's desire to think clealy, methodically and free from corporate intrusion. This book serves as a real primer to understanding today's computer industry.

Great Inspirations

I accidentally came across this while I was looking for some books on Computer Industry's Inspirations. I have heard about Cray Computers and knew a fair bit on it's ability but nothing too detailed. This book has swiftly, not too brief though, brought me up to date on the Cray computer's history and background. All thanks to the author who make as it as exciting as it could be. From then on, I was totally immensed in the process of how the makers made the supercomputer possible. The inspiring tale of meeting datelines, of realigning focus, of human determination and lastly, of inspirations. It has been beautifully crafted by the author's words to allow the reader to see the whole event/s unveiled before one's eyes without it being too naggy or non-fiction. I am by no way related to the author but I think it's only fair that I put in my two cents worth of my opinion for a good book. If you are thinking of knowing more about Cray Computers or looking for a mortal example of human determination and inspirations. DON'T miss this book.