Lambda the Ultimate

I have devoted a lot of time trying to understand why a book like "Algebraic Structure Theory of Sequential Machines" is nearly unknown. The book is written by two great Computer Scientists, Hartmanis and Stearns; one of whom, Hartmanis, started the first Computer Science program at an American university. Surely there is a story here.

The situation seems to develop out of the cultural chaos of the 1960's. The HandS book seems to be collateral damage. In 1965 students are rioting on campuses all across America. Professors are being fired if they show any sympathy for this behavior at all. Loosely allied with all this is the academic theory of information and Cybernetics. Now it just so happens that the HandS book is probably one of the best books on information or cybernetics ever written. It could be that the politically astute students and professors know enough to stay away from anything that smells like Cybernetics. It is just a theory mind you. It has been nearly 50 yerrs how. My how time flies. I think it is time to take a fresh look at this book.