Taschen has published a new book called The Computer, which traces the evolution of machines in computer history. Written by German author and graphic designer Jens Müller and edited by Brazilian designer Julius Wiedemann, this publication takes on the monumental task of explaining the computer’s significance, through the many twists and turns in its past.

Beginning with the very first ideas of creating a calculating machine in the 17th century, through to the advent of oversized office computers in the 1950s and, finally, to the ubiquity of laptops and wearable devices in the present day, The Computer lays out in extraordinary detail how we invented and popularised these fascinating pieces of technology.

Beyond just the machines themselves, the book also reveals the stories of the tech visionaries, pioneers and entrepreneurs that were behind these major advancements. The important creations of Ada Lovelace, Charles Babbage, Alan Turing, Grace Hopper, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs can be found inside, along with many forgotten experiments and prototypes.

Through engaging visuals, historical documents, and helpful explanations and infographics, the ideas and theories that drove these figures in their respective fields are laid out clearly for the reader. Accessibility is provided to esoteric subjects as wide-ranging as coding, software development, wireless communication, and the invention of machines.

The book even explores the impact of game-changing corporations such as IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Atari, Amazon, and Google, attempting to understand their long and winding histories through the use of rarely seen photographs and old advertising campaigns.

Through a riveting and informative recount of humanity’s technological progress over the last few hundred years, The Computer provides readers with a better understanding of not just where we have been, but where we are headed. In the current digital age, surrounded by constant advancements – almost too many to keep up with – this book cuts through the noise with its simple yet expansive premise.

The Computer by Jens Müller is published by Taschen; taschen.com