SKU: 42302561029

Once Upon an Algorithm

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Once Upon an AlgorithmBy: Martin Erwig This easy to follow introduction to computer science reveals how familiar stories like Hansel and Gretel, Sherlock Holmes, and Harry Potter illustrate the concepts and everyday relevance of computing. Picture a computer scientist, staring at a screen and clicking away frantically on a keyboard, hacking into a system, or perhaps developing an app. Now delete that picture. In Once Upon an Algorithm, Martin Erwig explains computation as

By: Martin Erwig     
This easy-to-follow introduction to computer science reveals how familiar stories like Hansel and Gretel, Sherlock Holmes, and Harry Potter illustrate the concepts and everyday relevance of computing.

Picture a computer scientist, staring at a screen and clicking away frantically on a keyboard, hacking into a system, or perhaps developing an app. Now delete that picture. In Once Upon an Algorithm, Martin Erwig explains computation as something that takes place beyond electronic computers, and computer science as the study of systematic problem solving. Erwig points out that many daily activities involve problem solving. Getting up in the morning, for example: You get up, take a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast. This simple daily routine solves a recurring problem through a series of well-defined steps. In computer science, such a routine is called an algorithm.
 
Erwig illustrates a series of concepts in computing with examples from daily life and familiar stories. Hansel and Gretel, for example, execute an algorithm to get home from the forest. The movie Groundhog Day illustrates the problem of unsolvability; Sherlock Holmes manipulates data structures when solving a crime; the magic in Harry Potter’s world is understood through types and abstraction; and Indiana Jones demonstrates the complexity of searching. Along the way, Erwig also discusses representations and different ways to organize data; “intractable” problems; language, syntax, and ambiguity; control structures, loops, and the halting problem; different forms of recursion; and rules for finding errors in algorithms.
 
This engaging book explains computation accessibly and shows its relevance to daily life. Something to think about next time we execute the algorithm of getting up in the morning.
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SKU: 42302561029

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Rainy
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect size, perfect pillow.
Size: Queen (High Loft), Number of Items: 1
For me, This pillow is the be all and end all when it comes to comfort. I simply melt into luxurious sleep. I have had a bad neck since my early 20’s, so a pillow that doesn’t fit me, can break me. I have spent soooo much money on pillows trying to find The One. Foam is the only way to go in that regard. Another aspect about this pillow that is particularly important to me is how well it fits into my satin pillow case, with no room to slide around, or for the material to bunch up. I allowed the pillow to air on a chair for 24 hours before use, but am still getting a slight odor.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026
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Allyse
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 3
Medium firmness is too flat
Size: Standard (Mid Loft), Number of Items: 1
I got the medium firmness, and it is much flatter than it appears in the photo. I like the feeling and firmness of it, but the height is too flat and causes my neck to strain. I had to return.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026
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Melissa Strand
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Finally, a great pillow!
Size: Standard (Mid Loft), Number of Items: 1
Finally! After so much wasted money on sooooo many pillows, I come across this beauty! This pillow is amazing! I got the medium one, and it’s so perfect. Soft, yet supportive. I’m still surprised at how much I love it!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2026
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Rene Bechard
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
LOVE IT !
Size: Queen (Mid Loft), Number of Items: 1
I love this pillow. It is just right, firm enough yet soft. My head sinks in and is very comfortable. When I lift my head, the pillow bounces right back into shape. If it lasts, I will buy my family each a pillow as it is wonderful. I woke up with zero neck pain as I typically did when using a standard foam pillow. There is a very light scent yet when I covered the pillow with a protector casing and then a cotton case, there was zero scent. I highly recommend. Especially when compared to the comfort of a very expensive latex pillow my husband uses.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2026
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I'maGryffindor
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Memory foam could never
Size: Queen (Mid Loft), Number of Items: 1
Wonderfully firm, yet responsive and lightweight. Like a marshmallow for your head and neck. I'm a side sleeper, but this could be great for anyone needing firm but still very soft and comfortable support. Memory foam has nothing on actual latex.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2026

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