Charles Babbage is widely credited with inventing the first computer, depending on your definition of “computer” and “invent”. You see, he never actually finished his masterpiece, the Analytical Engine. Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Lord Byron, was a mathematician who wrote programs for this nascent computer, making her the first computer programmer. Together they were innovators and eccentrics with genuine affection for one another. What could be more fun than a book based on 

their lives and collaboration? How about a graphic novel based on their story? How about a graphic novel full of extensively researched and annotated science and Victorian history, illustrated with a stylish steampunk flair?

 

The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage is all of this and more.  The graphic novel takes their work and lives as a jumping off point and imagines an entire alternate universe where they had the time and means to finish their engine. (In the real world Ada died young and Charles was perpetually trying to pry more money out of the government.) With their analytical engine complete, alternate Lovelace and Babbage can turn to other issues: such as the use of cats in computers, explosions, and fighting crime. This is a fun story, packed full of information, charm, and history.