Usborne has put its old computer books on the web for free

 

Landmark 1980s tutorials now available for download

 

 

UK publishing house Usborne is giving out its iconic 1980s programming books as free downloads.

The books, which are available for free as PDF files, include Usborne's introductions to programming series, adventure games, computer games listings and first computer series. The series was particularly popular in the UK, where they helped school a generation of developers and IT professionals.

The books included program listings for such iconic computers as the ZX Spectrum, the BBC Micro, and the Commodore 64, and are still used in some computer clubs today.

The full library (all PDFs):

• Computer Fun
• Simple Basic
• Practical Things to Do With a Microcomputer
• Introduction to Computer Programming
• Machine Code for Beginners
• Programming Tricks and Skills
• Computer Spy Games
• Computer Battle Games
• Weird Computer Games
• Computer Space Games
• Creepy Computer Games
• The Mystery of Silver Mountain
• Island of Secrets
• Write Your Own Fantasy Games
• Write Your Own Adventure Programs

Usborne is banking on the wave of nostalgia to help the publisher reconnect with those professionals and the next generation of young programmers.