One of the best books I've seen takes this approach: http://www.amazon.com/Code-Language-Computer-Hardware-Software/dp/0735611319/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=138920

One of the best books I've seen takes this approach: http://www.amazon.com/Code-Language-Computer-Hardware-Software/dp/0735611319/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389204462&sr=8-1&keywords=code http://www.amazon.com/Code-Language-Computer-Hardware-Softwa... ~ Starting from either extreme (pure maths or pure electrical engineering) is quite healthy--starting in the middle, though, does a disservice.