|
The 56-page manuscript is expected to fetch at least seven
figures, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity, when
it goes up for sale on April 13 in New York.
Turing was a British genius mathematician and a pioneer in
computer science who hastened the end of World War Two by
cracking Germany's wartime communications code.
In the notebook, which has never been seen in public and dates
from 1942, Turing works on the foundations of computer science
and mathematics.
"This manuscript dates from the time when Turing was engaged in
the crucial task of breaking the Enigma Code," said Cassandra
Hatton, senior specialist in fine books and manuscripts at
Bonhams.
"Its mathematical content gives an extraordinary insight into
the working mind of one of the greatest luminaries of the 20th
Century," she added in a statement.
Turing never received credit for his work during World War Two
and committed suicide in 1954 while receiving hormone treatment
after being charged with homosexuality, which was then a crime.
He was pardoned 60 years later.
He left the notebook to his friend Robin Gandy, who inscribed
his own musings between the pages of Turing's notes. Gandy kept
the notebook hidden until his death.
Cumberbatch, an Academy Award best actor nominee for his
portrayal of Turing, described him as a gay icon who lived
during a time of intolerance.
"His impact on our everyday lives is enormous, and the thought
of being able to hold a manuscript that was written by him is
thrilling," he said in a statement.
(Reporting by Patricia Reaney; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
|
Nazi
code breaker Alan Turing's notebook to be sold at auction
