Artificial Intelligence is both a fascinating topic and a pressing issue. But much of the commentary has been not-so-intelligent, discussing this technology as an awesome or terrifying form of black magic. Peter Bentley is a true expert, and has given us a lucid, balanced and engaging tour of one of the most important phenomena of this century.

Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of How the Mind Works and Enlightenment Now.

The best, clearest, and most readable short guide to this vital area. You'll find out where we are now, how we got here, and even where we might be going.

Owen Holland, professor of cognitive robotics in the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science at the University of Sussex

An inviting romp through the ongoing history of AI and robotics, as told by one its major players. Not only does Professor Bentley bring to life the many successes, failures and breath-taking reversals of the field, but he helpfully shines a light into the many corners of thought that bear upon the quest to create smart machines. His story is all the more gripping because it reveals how chasing artificial intelligence demands the very best of human intelligence: creativity, diversity of thought, and intellectual bravery. Highly recommended for those who wish to join the adventure.

Josh Bongard, professor of evolutionary robotics at the University of Vermont, and a 2010 PECASE awardee

Peter Bentley is a brilliant AI researcher ... In this book, he gives us an engaging description of the most important advances in AI and robotics that will change our lives. The easy-flowing narrative, interesting anecdotes and curiosities that pepper the book make it difficult to put it down before you have turned the last page.

Dario Floreano, Director of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and co-author of Evolutionary Robotics: The Biology, Intelligence, and Technology of Self-Organizing Machines