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Computing with Quantum Cats
Computing with Quantum Cats
Oct 11, 2024 3:27 PM

Author:John Gribbin

Computing with Quantum Cats

The quantum computer is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Pioneering physicists are on the brink of unlocking a new quantum universe which provides a better representation of reality than our everyday experiences and common sense ever could. The birth of quantum computers – which, like Schrödinger’s famous ‘dead and alive’ cat, rely on entities like electrons, photons or atoms existing in two states at the same time – is set to turn the computing world on its head.

In his fascinating study of this cutting-edge technology, John Gribbin updates his previous views on the nature of quantum reality, arguing for a universe of many parallel worlds where ‘everything is real’. Looking back to Alan Turing’s work on the Enigma machine and the first electronic computer, Gribbin explains how quantum theory developed to make quantum computers work in practice as well as in principle. He takes us beyond the arena of theoretical physics to explore their practical applications – from machines which learn through ‘intuition’ and trial and error to unhackable laptops and smartphones. And he investigates the potential for this extraordinary science to create a world where communication occurs faster than light and teleportation is possible.

Reviews

Immensely readable... John Gribbin deftly traverses the peek-a-boo world of electrons and discombobulating possibilities of parallel universes to shed some much-needed light on the imminent technological revolution.

—— The Times

With a readable history of [quantum] theory, and of computers, Gribbin has penned a fascinating, pleasantly mind-boggling and probably quite essential book for non-eggheads.

—— Weekend Sport

In a story told with warmth, wit, candour and dry, self-deprecating humour and without a whiff of self-pity... Coleman is insightful and convincing in his musings on music's emotional impact, funny in his recollections of the pains of growing up and sharp in his analysis of the thorny issue of musical 'taste'

—— Time Out

Coleman is a spirited person, who writes with an irresistible Hornby-esque skip in his style... funny and admirable

—— Andrew Motion , Guardian

A beautiful, elegiac ballad. Coleman writes elegantly and movingly of his youth, of growing up and of his intimate relationship with an art form that has shaped his memories

—— Financial Times

Wonderful

—— Nick Hornby

A rites-of-passage memoir refracted through key sonic experiences...a de profundis roar of anger and bafflement as the randomness of what has befallen Coleman prompts fundamental questions: Who am I? How am I? What the hell happens now?

—— The Times

A smart, witty and gentle memoir of music and adolescence and beyond

—— Sunday Herald

Fascinating book... It’s beautifully written, moving and, coming from 1970s, Yes-loving prog-rocker, surprisingly moving.

—— John Walsh , Independent

Congratulations to Coleman: his private hell is now a tribute to the things he loves the most

—— Sunday Times

Really a story about listening and love. Brilliant.

—— Guardian

If The Train in the Night went no further than the list of life-changing music that drops in at the end, like an index, it would be just another retread of High Fidelity, but Nick Hornby's book is a boy's train-set in comparison to this

—— Independent

An autobiography through sound...a broad meditation on mortality and the resourceful defences of memory

—— Observer

Emotional and resonant… Sharp, funny and sad in equal measure

—— Sally Morris , Daily Mail

Written with the same passion and wit that punctuated his reviews for the likes of NME, Coleman shares his journey to reconnecting with the soundtrack of his life

—— Big Issue in the North

I can’t tell you how good it is but I’ll try… It’s a superb analysis

—— William Leith , Evening Standard

A warm, witty and very candid book

—— Natasha Harding , Sun

The book offers experiences and, for anyone whose responsiveness to the world has slackened, a reminder of how full experience can be.

—— Amy Leach , Observer

Tim Dee has a deep feeling for the natural world and an ability to celebrate it in ways that seem fresh and new.

—— Tim Richardson , Literary Review

[Dee] writes so well, and so personably, that he casts a disarming spell over his readers.

—— Mary Blanche Ridge , Tablet

[Dee] is at once a naturalist, environmentalist, journalist, historian and diarist. Dee’s rich writing delights as he imparts his considerable research and observations about life and the state of the world

—— Good Book Guide

[It] belongs in the tradition of 'nature writing', but works with it too putting its beautifully written sentences in the service of description and evocation, but using them to frame a serious conversation about environmental preservation and its opposites; it’s a deeply attractive book and also an important one.

—— Andrew Motion , Guardian

Felt very deeply and pondered very wisely, it takes four areas of the planet and tells their story in ways that bring the plight (and delight) of the earth as a whole within reach.

—— Andrew Motion , Times Literary Supplement

A lyrical, poetic reflection on our relationship with the natural world.

—— Tim Maguire , Edinburgh Evening News

This profound work by Tim Dee is as creative and original as anything on the Man Booker shortlist and arguably more “useful”... The book’s reach is extraordinary.

—— Bel Mooney , Daily Mail

[A] marvellous new memoir.

—— Richard Mabey , New Statesman

An enthralling and unexpected book of what we have made of the natural world

—— Kathleen Jamie , Guardian

This is nature writing at its finest

—— Juanita Coulson , Lady

With the eye of a birdwatcher and the soul of a poet, Dee meditates on our green spaces and what we have made of them

—— Michael Kerr , Telegraph

Dee’s rich writing delights as he imparts his considerable research and observations about life and the state of the world

—— Good Book Guide

Charged with meaning and lyrically luminous, Four Fields is an unquantifiable work – and an unmissable one

—— Melissa Harrison , The Times
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