The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace & Babbage

A graphic novel debut that transforms a compelling scientific collaboration into an unexpected -- and hilarious -- series of adventures.

A unique take on the unrealized invention of the computer in the 1830s by the eccentric polymath Charles Babbage and his accomplice, the daughter of Lord Byron, Ada, Countess of Lovelace. When Ada translated her friend Babbage's plans for the "Difference Engine," her lengthy footnotes contained the first appearance of the general computing theory-one hundred years before an actual computer was built. Sadly, Lovelace died of cancer a few years after publishing the paper, and Babbage never built any of his machines. But now Sydney Padua gives us an alternate reality in which Lovelace and Babbage do build the Difference Engine, and then use it to do battle with the American banking system, the publishing industry, their own fears that their project will lose funding, and a villainous street musician who will force the two friends to reevaluate their priorities-"for the sake of both London and science."

Author Sydney Padua in Conversation with Google Doodle Leader Ryan Germick

Sydney Padua is a graphic artist and animator. Sydney wrote this "Steampunk" graphic novel based on thorough research on the biographies and correspondence between Babbage and Lovelace, as well as other bits of early Victoriana, which is then twisted for humorous effect. Ryan Germick, our moderator, first graced the Museum's stage in 2012 as a panel participant in The Art & Technology of Google Doodles Revolutionaries program. His pairing with Sydney will most definitely result in a thrilling and adventurous evening you won't want to miss. Please join us.

There will be a book signing following tonight's program.