This still timely collection of papers by Donald Knuth, "the father of computer science," surveys the field of computer science and the nature of algorithms. Topics covered here include the relationship between computer science and mathematics, the connections between theory and practice, and the known limitations on what can be computed in a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, Knuth discusses the history of computer science from ancient Babylon through today.

Particularly clear and accessible, these essays were written for a general audience rather than specialists in computer science. They are thus a valuable resource for not only computer scientists but for anyone interested in the history of this fascinating field.