1843: world’s first computer book
£114,000 for rare work of woman who was pioneer of programming
A BOOK written 175 years ago by the world’s first computer programmer has just sold for £114,000 after being found in a box of junk.
Only six copies of the 50-page “Sketch of the Analytical Engine” are known to exist.
It was written by Ada Lovelace, who helped fellow mathematician Charles Babbage in inventing the world’s first computer, the Difference Engine, in 1822.
When he developed his followup Analytical Engine 15 years later, Lady Lovelace – a daughter of poet Lord Byron – was the first to recognise its wider potential.
She published the first set of programmed steps, or algorithm, such a machine could follow. The 1843 book, signed by her, contains her translation of a presentation in Turin by Babbage, along with her own interpretation of his theories.
It was found during a clearout by a couple from the Cotswolds – who had no idea they owned it.
Final bidding reached £95,000, and fees took the price to £114,000.
Philip Allwood, of Cirencester auctioneers Moore Allen and Innocent, said: “This book is where the age of the computer started off. It’s quite geeky.
“It was in a box of junk the owner was looking to get rid of. He was most surprised when I told him it could make £30,000.
“After the hammer fell he smiled, winked at me and walked out.”