What Is AI?

by Wes Locher, Who HQ

Have you ever wondered how AI came to be? How did ChatGPT develop? Who is “Siri”? Find out everything you need to know about the rise of AI and advancing technology, including future applications and concerns, in this informative book that features 16 pages of photos.

It all began in 1822 when an English mathematician created the “Difference Engine,” the world’s first mechanical calculating machine. Fast-forward two hundred years, and cars are beginning to drive themselves! How did this technology advance? Over a series of trials and errors, steps forward and back, AI, or artificial intelligence, has most steadily developed since the 1950s. By the '90s, AI technology began interacting with people in laboratories and at conferences, dazzling the world with its impressive knowledge and capabilities. The simulation of human intelligence by machines continues to revolutionize healthcare, transportation, and efficiency across the world. Learn all about this problem-solving facet of the computer science industry and where it might take us in the future.

112 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2026

About the author

Wes Locher has written video games for developers such as FableLabs (Serious Weirdness, 2018), Based on the Play (Re*Sequenced, 2018), Nanobit Software (Lost in Fame, 2017), Pulsetense Games (Post-War Dreams, 2017), and Pocket Gems Games (Future: Uncertain, 2015). His comic books have been published in the USA, UK, and Canada by Alterna Comics (Unit 44, 2017), Titan Comics (Adrift, 2015), Markosia Enterprises (The Undoubtables, 2014), Arcana Studios (Chambers, 2013), and many others. He's the author of the nonfiction book Braving Britannia: Tales of the Life, Love, and Adventure in Ultima Online , and a collection of humorous essays called Musings on Minutiae, published in 2010.

Wes’s father was a journalist. His mother was an English teacher. Wes is genetically doomed to write for all eternity.

Visit him online at www.weslocher.com.

Reviews

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. If this book had completely refrained from discussing a climate related topic that I do not agree with (as a disappointing part of the inherent bias of the series), this would have been a 5 star read/ listen. The information pertaining to AI is relevant and up to date. The book also discusses deepfakes and the danger they could present. While this book makes it clear that everyone now has access to AI (reportedly), it doesn’t spend time teaching its audience (that I heard at least) that AI can be a devastating means of cheating on assignments or that it can take away from one’s critical thinking should it be used excessively. AI is certainly not wholly positive. Overall, this book is well written.

[Ian Vriend · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the portion about the history and theories about AI are interesting, it devolves into a promotion for ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Suno AI. It talks about how they have so many amazing features like tutoring or do your homework, even though none of them are able to consistently draw correct information. Then in the same page they tell you they are not suitable for children 13 and under.
The part listing the negatives do not even get into the worst parts of AI. Nothing is mentioned of the severe environmental damage and pollution they cause. Or of the psychological damage such as psychosis or mania.

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this history of AI was touched upon, it was a very condensed and no mention of Ada Lovelace who helped Charles Babbage. It seemed, according to this book only men contributed to the creation of AI.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this one!