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Alan Turing

The Genius Codebreaker Who Helped Win a War and Paved the Way for Computers

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Alan Turing

By: Revin Laxtor
Narrated by: Jackson Henderson
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About this listen

What if a single mind held the key to winning a world war, inventing the modern computer, and asking the first serious questions about artificial intelligence—all before the age of forty?
That mind belonged to Alan Turing, and this book tells his remarkable story.

Alan Turing: The Genius Codebreaker Who Helped Win a War and Paved the Way for Computers is an accessible, compelling exploration of one of the most brilliant and misunderstood figures of the 20th century. Written for curious listeners of all backgrounds, this book unpacks the science, context, and personal struggles behind Turing’s legacy—explaining complex ideas in clear terms and revealing why his influence is still felt in every corner of modern life.

Beginning with his childhood fascination with numbers and puzzles, the book traces Turing’s journey from an awkward schoolboy to a groundbreaking mathematician and codebreaker. In his early twenties, he developed the concept of a universal computing machine—what we now know as the theoretical foundation for all computers. He didn’t just imagine it; he described exactly how such a machine would function, years before the first computers were built.

During World War II, Turing’s genius found urgent purpose at Bletchley Park, the British codebreaking centre. Here, he led efforts to crack the German Enigma cipher, a seemingly unbreakable code used to coordinate military operations. Turing’s creation of the Bombe machine, an electromechanical device capable of sifting through thousands of settings, gave the Allies a critical edge. Historians now credit this work with shortening the war by years—and saving millions of lives.

But Turing’s story is not only about scientific triumph. It is also about injustice. Despite his wartime heroism, he was prosecuted in 1952 for homosexuality, then a criminal offence in Britain. Stripped of his security clearance and forced to undergo chemical castration,

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Listener received this title free

I knew Turing was important, but this book opened my eyes to how much he contributed to the modern world. It balances biography and science perfectly, and his personal struggles are sensitively portrayed

Turing Deserves This Spotlight

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Listener received this title free

This was more than a biography it was a look into how one mind shaped our digital age. I learned a lot and felt deeply for Turing’s personal battles

Moving, Educational, and Eye-Opening

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Listener received this title free

I never thought I’d understand how early computers were conceived, but this book broke it down beautifully. Turing’s mind was something else and the author helps us see why.

Complex Science, Simply Explained

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Listener received this title free

I really appreciate how this book breaks down Turing’s complex ideas—like the universal computing machine—into terms that make sense to non-scientists. It’s fascinating to see how far ahead of his time he was. The chapters on the Bombe machine and Enigma code are like reading a thriller. The story of his prosecution is heartbreaking but necessary to know. This book made me want to learn more about early computer history and the people behind it.









Accessible and Thought-Provoking

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Listener received this title free

If you’re interested in World War II, computer science, or just stories of remarkable people, this is a must-read. The book covers Turing’s childhood curiosity, his work at Bletchley Park, and how his theoretical “universal machine” laid the groundwork for modern computing. It’s both educational and moving, highlighting how much we owe to someone who rarely gets enough credit outside tech circles.

Perfect for History and Tech Lovers Alike

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Listener received this title free

The storytelling here is both informative and moving. The way Turing’s work at Bletchley Park helped win WWII is astounding. More people should know this story, and this book is a great place to start

A Hero History Almost Forgot

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Listener received this title free

This book is an excellent starting point for anyone curious about Alan Turing’s life and legacy. I appreciated how it explained complex topics—like his idea for a universal computing machine—without overwhelming the reader. The sections on Bletchley Park were fascinating and showed just how vital Turing’s work was to ending WWII sooner. This is the rare biography that balances science, history, and Turing’s deeply human story.

A Brilliant Introduction to a Brilliant Mind

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Listener received this title free

I’ve read a lot about WWII, but this book gave a totally fresh perspective. Turing’s work literally changed the course of the war and this book tells that story with clarity and urgency

WWII Through a New Lens

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Listener received this title free

Turing’s contributions to modern life are enormous, yet so many don’t know his name. This book helps correct that with a clear, compelling narrative.

A Story Everyone Should Know

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Listener received this title free

This book gave me a much deeper appreciation for Alan Turing’s incredible mind and tragic life story. I knew he helped crack the Enigma code, but I didn’t realise how much his ideas shaped the very computers we use today. The author explains Turing’s concepts in such clear language that even someone with no technical background can follow. The section about his unfair prosecution really stayed with me. Everyone should read this to understand both his genius and the injustice he faced.

An Inspiring and Heartbreaking Story

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