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|Dº |5On the Editor's Desk |DºÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ
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^C^1On the Editor's Desk
^Cby
^CDaniel Tobias

   In this column, I give news and reviews of products and developments that
have reached my desk.  Though my desk is as deluged with products as ever, this
month's disk space crunch (caused by all the great programs here!) necessitates
a somewhat abbreviated column.  So let's get to it!

   A few months ago when I reviewed Ted Nelson's book ^1Literary Machines^0, I
mentioned that a new version of his classic ^1Computer Lib^0 book was out, and I'd
try to get a copy for review.  Well, I got one, and read it, so here's my
review.  This book (from Tempus Books, an imprint of Microsoft Press, Redmond,
WA; order toll-free at 800-638-3030, or in MD 824-7300; ISBN 0-914875-49-7;
trade paperback, $18.95; whew, I finally got all that information out of the way
so I can get on with the review!) is a reprint of Nelson's self-published 1974
edition, with some new material.  Much of the old material is surprisingly
fresh, even after all these years of rapid-paced change.

   The book is divided into two parts, "Computer Lib" and "Dream Machines"; to
get to the second part, flip the book upside down.  Nelson had to fight the
stodgy, mainstream publishers quite a bit to let him do it that way; those
"squares" insisted that books should always read upright from the front to the
back, imagine that!  All kidding aside, Ted brings a highly unconventional
viewpoint to the computer field; while I don't always agree with all his
opinions, I admire his sticking to his position as an industry maverick, rather
than "selling out" and switching to a conventional, corporate viewpoint for the
bucks.  In this day and age when the suits and ties dominate, a few mavericks
are needed to keep some fun and excitement in the computer field.  Most computer
publications these days tout the PC exclusively as a corporate productivity
enhancement tool; it is that, but it's also a tool and toy that can profoundly
affect the way we all live, work, play, and learn.  Nelson has many specific,
concrete suggestions of ways this can be done, culminating in his visionary
Xanadu system, now in prototype.

   Computer Lib is written in a light, breezy style, composed of short,
magazine-style articles; hence, it is an easy, enjoyable book to read.  However,
it's hardly light in thought-provoking ideas.  I highly recommend it.

   Going from the irreverent to the holy: If you liked "Gospel Godspeed" on
BIG BLUE DISK #19, you might be interested to know that a different publisher
has now released a whole set of Bibles and Bible reference works on CD-ROM.
Contact Ellis Enterprises, 3228 S. Boulevard, Suite 343, Edmond, OK 73013,
(405) 235-7660.

   That's all I've got room for this time; see you next month!