A Review: Algorithms by Pano Louridas

Algorithms is part of MIT's Essential Knowledge Series, a collection of concise books designed for lay readers on topics ranging from Animal Rights to Phenology. In this installment, author Panos Louridas—Associate Professor in the Department of Management Science and Technology at the Athens University of Economics and Business—guides readers through the core computer science algorithms that power systems like Google Search, RSA encryption, and sorting mechanisms.

Louridas highlights key contributions from historical figures such as Euclid, Euler, Hierholzer, and Dijkstra, offering accessible explanations that sidestep heavy mathematics in favor of clear, visual illustrations. Concepts like nodes, quicksort, and even neural networks are made understandable, making the book an inviting primer for those curious about AI and deep learning.

While some reviewers criticize the book for being too short or not technical enough, that was never its purpose. Rather, the aim is to give any educated reader a thoughtful introduction to the foundational logic behind tools like ChatGPT, Google Genesis, and DeepSeek.

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, Louridas offers not a deep dive, but a sturdy first step into understanding the invisible forces driving our digital age.