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The Maniac,Used
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Named One of the 10 Best Books of 2023 by The Washington Post and Publishers Weekly One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of 2023 A National Bestseller A New York Times Editor's Choice pick Nominated for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in FictionCaptivating and unclassifiable, at once a historical novel and a philosophical foray . . . Labatut is a writer of thrilling originality. The MANIAC is a work of dark, eerie and singular beauty. The Washington PostDarkly absorbing . . . A brooding, heady narrative that is addictively interesting. Wall Street JournalFrom one of contemporary literatures most exciting new voices, a haunting story centered on the Hungarian polymath John von Neumann, tracing the impact of his singular legacy on the dreams and nightmares of the twentieth century and the nascent age of AIBenjamn Labatuts When We Cease to Understand the World electrified a global readership. A Booker Prize and National Book Award finalist, and one of the New York Times Ten Best Books of the Year, it explored the life and thought of a clutch of mathematicians and physicists who took science to strange and sometimes dangerous new realms. In The MANIAC, Labatut has created a tour de force on an even grander scale.A prodigy whose gifts terrified the people around him, John von Neumann transformed every field he touched, inventing game theory and the first programable computer, and pioneering AI, digital life, and cellular automata. Through a chorus of family members, friends, colleagues, and rivals, Labatut shows us the evolution of a mind unmatched and of a body of work that has unmoored the world in its wake.The MANIAC places von Neumann at the center of a literary triptych that begins with Paul Ehrenfest, an Austrian physicist and friend of Einstein, who fell into despair when he saw science and technology become tyrannical forces; it ends a hundred years later, in the showdown between the South Korean Go Master Lee Sedol and the AI program AlphaGo, an encounter embodying the central question of von Neumann's most ambitious unfinished project: the creation of a selfreproducing machine, an intelligence able to evolve beyond human understanding or control.A work of beauty and fabulous momentum, The MANIAC confronts us with the deepest questions we face as a species.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of The MANIAC? A: The MANIAC has three hundred sixty-eight pages. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of its themes and characters.
- Q: What are the dimensions of The MANIAC? A: The book measures six point fifteen inches in length, one point two inches in width, and nine point three inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard size for hardcover books.
- Q: What type of binding does The MANIAC have? A: The MANIAC is bound in hardcover. This provides durability and a premium feel, ideal for collectors.
- Q: Who is the author of The MANIAC? A: The MANIAC is written by Benjamin Labatut. He is known for his unique storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
- Q: What genre does The MANIAC belong to? A: The MANIAC is categorized under World War II and Holocaust literature. It blends historical and philosophical elements.
- Q: What themes are explored in The MANIAC? A: The MANIAC explores themes of legacy, intelligence, and the impact of technology on humanity. It delves into the life of John von Neumann.
- Q: Is The MANIAC suitable for young readers? A: The MANIAC is generally aimed at adult readers. Its complex themes and historical context may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Q: How should I read The MANIAC for the best experience? A: To fully appreciate The MANIAC, consider reading it in a quiet space where you can focus on the intricate narrative and philosophical insights.
- Q: Who would enjoy reading The MANIAC? A: Readers interested in historical fiction, philosophy, or the evolution of technology will likely enjoy The MANIAC. It appeals to those who appreciate deep narratives.
- Q: How do I care for my copy of The MANIAC? A: To keep The MANIAC in good condition, store it upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid moisture to prevent damage.
- Q: What should I do if The MANIAC arrives damaged? A: If The MANIAC arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or replacement. Most sellers offer a policy for damaged goods.
- Q: Is there a warranty for The MANIAC? A: Typically, books like The MANIAC do not come with a warranty. However, check with the retailer for their specific return policies.
- Q: Can I return The MANIAC if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can usually return The MANIAC within a specified period if it is in new condition. Check the retailer's return policy for details.
- Q: What if I have trouble understanding The MANIAC? A: If you find parts of The MANIAC challenging, consider discussing it with a reading group or looking for online analyses to enhance your understanding.
- Q: Are there any notable reviews for The MANIAC? A: Yes, The MANIAC has received acclaim from sources like The Washington Post and Publishers Weekly, highlighting its captivating narrative and originality.