Klara and the Bomb
Dublin Core
Title
Klara and the Bomb
Subject
Archival
Description
Klara and the Bomb is a photographical and historical work that charts connecting threads between the invention of modern computers, the history of nuclear weapons and, in particular, the narratives of the women involved.
While computing technology is ubiquitous today, its militaristic history and colonial connections continue to be underplayed or obscured: the modern computer originates in military-funded nuclear weapons research and development that took place during and after the Second World War. Many of these weapons were later detonated in the Marshall Islands where indigenous communities were coerced into leaving their homes.
These interconnected stories are told through the little-known life of Klara von Neumann, who came to the United States after marrying the noted mathematician John von Neumann. As one of the first computer programmers, Klara’s story highlights the extent to which women were involved in the development of both computing and nuclear weapons from the 1940s onwards. Klara’s life ended tragically: in 1963, her body was found on the beach not far from her California home. Suicide by drowning, the coroner’s report stated.
While computing technology is ubiquitous today, its militaristic history and colonial connections continue to be underplayed or obscured: the modern computer originates in military-funded nuclear weapons research and development that took place during and after the Second World War. Many of these weapons were later detonated in the Marshall Islands where indigenous communities were coerced into leaving their homes.
These interconnected stories are told through the little-known life of Klara von Neumann, who came to the United States after marrying the noted mathematician John von Neumann. As one of the first computer programmers, Klara’s story highlights the extent to which women were involved in the development of both computing and nuclear weapons from the 1940s onwards. Klara’s life ended tragically: in 1963, her body was found on the beach not far from her California home. Suicide by drowning, the coroner’s report stated.
Creator
Crystal Bennes
Publisher
The Eriskay Connection
Date
2022
Book Item Type Metadata
Dimensions
170 × 230 mm
Number of Pages
340
Place of Publication
Netherlands
Designer
Carel Fransen
Printer
Wilco Art Books
ISBN
978-94-92051-82-0
Website
www.crystalbennes.com
URL Link to project
https://www.eriskayconnection.com/home/123-klara-and-the-bomb.html
Citation
crystalbennes, “Klara and the Bomb,” Photo Book Cafe Archive, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.photobookcafe-archive.co.uk/items/show/542.