Books to learn about computers?

[pierce15]

Hello,

My summer has just begun and I am looking forward to being able to learn things that interest me which I will not be able to learn about in school for a while. One of these topics is computing. I know that this is a very complicated matter, but I am interested in learning the principles of how computers work. I have no prior knowledge, so I would like to learn from something written at the introductory level, yet I will embrace anything that explores complex ideas.

So, to clarify: I am looking for a book (or a few books) to build and solidify an understanding of how computers (and even calculators or printers) work.

Thank you.

 

[pierce15]

I have received one recommendation for "Introduction to Computing Systems: from Bits and Gates to C+ and Beyond". If you have read this, I would greatly appreciate your opinion on it before I purchase it.