Algorithmics: The Spirit of Computing

Seconded! Harel's Algorithmics is a must read. The coverage is really broad and comprehensive. For some reason, this book is not that well-known and hence deserves all the publicity/recommendation it can get.

You have a valid viewpoint. I think it is more due to the failure of the CS "Intelligentsia" to popularize Computing(theory) and Computer(machines) Sciences for the Layman. Computers have ushered in a most radical change in our societies and yet they are a complete mystery to most "ordinary" people. There are more popular science books on "Quantum Physics" than on "Computing/Computer Science" which is sad to say the least. But i think there is hope for the future with books like a) Code by Charles Petzold b) Algorithmics by David Harel becoming more popular.

Non fiction and IT related: Algorithmics The spirit of computing: this is a really great exploration of 'algorithmic' thinking, accessible to anyone: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2378136.Algorithmics Soul of a new machine: the book won the pulitzer, it's about now defunct Data General and implementing a new machine in the early 80's: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7090.The_Soul_of_a_New_Ma... (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7090.The_Soul_of_a_New_Machine) Fiction: Marooned in Realtime: Vernor Vinge on a group of people who missed the singularity, and try to understand what happened. A damn good detective story too: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/167847.Marooned_in_Realti... (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/167847.Marooned_in_Realtime)