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Haven't read the book you're recommending, but I feel it's more or less close to Code[0] by Charles Petzold, which in itself is a fascinating read.

[0]: https://www.amazon.com/Code-Language-Computer-Hardware-Softw...

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The two are not at all similar. Petzold's "Code" is good but is aimed at non-technical readers while "The Elements of Computing Systems" is more or less a textbook that encapsulates a longitudinal slice of a 4-year computer engineering program, complete with exercises. It's really quite impressive in what it manages to cover (although the massive amount of material glossed over or omitted does make me wince).

I read both books a long time ago. My recollection is that Code spends more time building context and explaining why something works as it does. "Elements of Computing Systems" gives more detail on how to implement many of the same concepts in a simple way. Both are great books.

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