The magic machine
a handbook of computer sorcery
by A.K. Dewdney · first published 1990
5mentions
2recommended by
3HN commenters
2009–2024first – last mentioned
67% recommend33% neutral
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…Fractals. https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9781461283492 https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783540158516 Two other books that I think are good (but which are for general audiences) are AK Dewdney's Magic Machine which has a chapter about L Systems: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Machine-Handbook-Computer-Sorce... And Computers, Pattern, Chaos, and Beauty by Clifford Pickover: https://www.amazon.com/Computers-Pattern-Beauty-Clifford-Pic...
on “The Algorithmic Beauty of Plants (1990)” ↗…suitable for general 11 year olds, but a modern version certainly could be. And A.K. Dewdney obviously has a bunch of books which could be used to inspire young programmers. The Armchair Universe, or The Magic Machine and similar launched many programmers, with "Core War", "Wator", "Bugs", etc
on “Python Exercises for Kids” ↗…(anything in this would be a good ShowHN, especially if you put it on a website with interactive sliders) (it's available as a download somewhere) Any of the A K Dewdney books eg The Armchair Universe or The Magic Machine.
on “Ask HN: What is the best way to spend my time as a 17-year-old who can code?” ↗Oh man, what a trip to see Dewdney mentioned. I have a copy of The Magic Machine on my shelf which I (unintentionally) stole from my university library at the end of my senior year. His work was pretty influential on me, inspiring me to keep exploring programming at a time when my…
on “Gravitational Collapse of Spongebob” ↗I came across the article in "The Magic Machine". http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-Machine-K-Dewdney/dp/071672144... I seem to remember doing a very blocky Mandelbrot set on a 286. Good times!
on “The Mandelbrot Set by A. K. Dewdney (1985 Scientific American article)” ↗