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Modern books on retro computing
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items This is a hand‑picked collection of newly written books I personally own and love, each diving deep into the world of retro computing. From fascinating histories of classic machines to guides on vintage programming and captivating stories from the go...
Really fun book with lots of things you probably did not know about retro computers. A great source of trivia.
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A great book if you ever programmed in BASIC on an Apple 2, Atari 800, or Commodore 64. This is where I started!
GOSUB Without RETURN: BASIC Programming
An accessible history of the Apple II computer that was one of the three commercial home computers released in 1977.
The Apple II Age: How the Computer Became Personal
Many of us learned to program in BASIC. This is a well-written history of the language. I used to be on the faculty at Dartmouth where BASIC started!
Endless Loop: History of BASIC Language
Bil Heard was an engineer at Commodore in the 1980s where he designed the Commodore 128. This is a nice account of his experience there. I have met him in person and he is a really nice guy.
Back into the Storm: Commodore 1980s Story
If you have an Apple II computer or want to get one this is a must have book. Published in 2012, it is a modern user's guide for the system. Very comprehensive!
The New Apple II User's Guide
The Tandy Color Computer (CoCo) has a loyal following. I certainly love my CoCo 3! This is a nice history of this lovable computer that was popular in the U.S.
CoCo: The Colorful History of Tandy's CoCo
A wonderful account of computing history and its future from the perspective of a great writer in 1999. I love these older perspectives.
In the Beginning...was the Command Line
There was no question that the Macintosh did change everything when it was released in 1984. This is an account from 2000 by a leading author on tech. Woth a read.
Insanely Great: Life & Times of Macintosh
A nice history of IBM that was central in the computer wars of the 1980s and beyond. I love to think about all the missed opportunities and mistakes that were made by these computer companies.
IBM: Rise, Fall & Reinvention of Icon
The UK had several wonderful computers that were popular in the 1980s. These included the BBC Micro and the Sinclair Spectrum. This book provides a nice history of these fun systems.
The Computers That Made Britain: 1980s Home Revolution
A thorough and thoughtful accounting of the early history of Atari by two passionate authors. Sadly, Mr. Vendel passed away a few years ago and left Volume 2 unfinished.
Atari Inc.: Business is Fun
I really loved reading this book. The author gives a firsthand account of growing up with an Atari 800 computer. Many of us share his experiences.
Terrible Nerd
The Commodore 64 is still the bestselling computer of all time. This is a nice treatment of its history and its roll in 1980s computing. It is too much fun!
Too Much Fun: Five Lives of Commodore 64
A great overview of the Atari home computers from the 1980s written by one of my favorite authors and a super nice guy. Highly recommended if you have an interest in Atari computers.
Breakout: How Atari 8-Bit Computers Defined
The Amiga was truly ahead of its time when it came out in 1985. Its origin story is really interesting and inspiring. I was just at a 40th anniversary celebration and got to meet a few of the key players and see the prototype that got it all started.
Commodore: The Amiga Years
This Pulitzer Prize‑winning book from 2000 takes you inside Data General’s race to build a 32‑bit computer, capturing not just the technology, but the grit, ingenuity, and human drama that powered the innovation.
The Soul of a New Machine
A great account of the early days of the personal computer. Not in print anymore. Worth buying used.
Fire in the Valley: Birth & Death of PC
A much-anticipated book on the first 50 years of Apple computer. Available for pre-order now. Lots of buzz in the Apple community about this one.
Apple: The First 50 Years
Just discovered this interesting book and ordered a copy. Note that it is from 2014 and out of print. You will need to order it used.
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