The MANIAC by Benjamín Labatut
The MANIAC by Benjamín Labatut is a fact-and-fiction literary work centred on mathematician John von Neumann and the far-reaching effects of his ideas. Its narrative spans from physicist Paul Ehrenfest to the AlphaGo match against Lee Sedol, connecting scientific history with questions about artificial intelligence and self-reproducing machines.
At a glance
- Centres on Hungarian mathematician John von Neumann and the legacy of his work.
- Uses accounts from family members, colleagues, friends and rivals to shape its portrait.
- Frames scientific history through a literary mixture of fact and fiction.
- Connects von Neumann's ideas to AI and the AlphaGo match against Go player Lee Sedol.
Reference price: $25.00
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines a historical subject with literary storytelling rather than presenting only a technical account.
- The focus on people alongside scientific ideas may suit readers seeking biography and intellectual history together.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Strange Light |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Oct. 1 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 368 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0771010435 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0771010439 |
| Weight listed | 420 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.25 x 2.41 x 22.12 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in John von Neumann, mathematics, computing and the history of AI.
- Readers who enjoy literary nonfiction or fact-and-fiction blends about science and technology.
- Those comfortable with a story that raises unsettling questions about technology and human control.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a strictly technical textbook or a wholly fictional narrative.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
67% 67% - 4 stars
23% 23% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
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Customer feedback describes the book as fascinating, engaging and well written, with readers appreciating its blend of fact and fiction and its attention to both people and history. Some find its subject matter frightening or disturbing, while reactions to complexity vary. For readers drawn to the listed themes of scientific history and AI, this suggests an intellectually ambitious literary read, though not every reader will find its approach equally accessible.
Positive themes
- Readers praise the engaging story and writing.
- Readers appreciate the combination of fact, fiction, people and history.
Negative themes
- Some readers find the subject matter frightening or disturbing.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback differs on complexity. Some readers find it not too technical, while others find it slightly complex.
Frequently asked questions
What is The MANIAC about?
It is a literary work centred on John von Neumann, his scientific legacy and the questions raised by artificial intelligence. The narrative also reaches back to physicist Paul Ehrenfest and forward to the AlphaGo match with Lee Sedol.
Is The MANIAC a technical book?
The listing presents it as a literary blend of fact and fiction, not a technical textbook. Customer feedback is mixed on complexity, with some describing it as not too technical and others finding it somewhat complex.
How long is this edition?
The listed print length is 368 pages.
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