SHANNON, Claude E. (1916-2001). “A Mathematical Theory of Communication.” In: The Bell System Technical Journal, Vol. 27, Nos. 3-4, pp. [379]-423 & [623]-656. New York: American Telephone and Telegraph Company, July-October 1948.

2 parts, 8vo, original printed blue wrappers (slight fading to spines); quarter morocco folding case. Provenance: F. V. Schultz (signature on each upper wrapper margin).

FIRST EDITION, the first appearance of Shannon’s mathematical theory of communication. A seminal work on information theory, essential to the development of computer technology and the foundation of the modern information age. "American mathematician Claude Shannon developed information theory by 1948. He reduced the notion of information to a series of yes/no choices, which could be presented by a binary code. Each choice, or piece of information, he called a 'bit.' In this way, complex information could be organized according to strict mathematical principles. His methods, although devised in the context of engineering and technology, were soon seen to have applications not only to computer design but to virtually every subject in which language was important, such as linguistics, psychology, cryptography, and phonetics; further applications were possible in any area where the transmission of information in any form was important" (Mount and List, Milestones, 65). Origins of Cyberspace 880; Tomash & Williams S94-95.

SHANNON, Claude E. (1916-2001). “A Mathematical Theory of Communication.” In: The Bell System Technical Journal, Vol. 27, Nos. 3-4, pp. [379]-423 & [623]-656. New York: American Telephone and Telegraph Company, July-October 1948.