George Dyson

George Dyson is a historian of science and technology whose writings explore the origins of digital computing, the evolution of intelligence, and the intersection of human and machine history. He is widely known for Turing’s Cathedral, his influential account of the mathematicians and engineers who built some of the first electronic computers at the Institute for Advanced Study.

Dyson’s work spans mathematical history, early cybernetics, and the profound shifts sparked by computation in the twentieth century. His books, including Darwin Among the Machines and Analogia, trace the human and conceptual ancestry of digital networks, offering insight into how early ideas about computation still shape modern technological systems.

In addition to his scholarship, Dyson is known for his revival and construction of traditional Aleut-style Baidarka kayaks, reflecting his long-standing interest in indigenous engineering and human–environment interaction. His multidisciplinary career blends craftsmanship, historical research, and deep reflection on the technological systems that define contemporary life.