BASIC

'''BOOKS'''

'''BOOKS'''

David H. Ahl's compilation, ''101 Basic Computer Games'', was first published in 1973 by the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Though not the first book of computer games, it was the first to collect only games in BASIC. It contains a listing of games, a sample run of each game, and usually a short description of each game. It also acknowledges each game's author(s) and lays out other sources if the game has been transformed from a previously known game. The program's "computer limitations" are also decsribed so users understand the hardward requirements. Finally, illustrations, courtesy of ''Mad Magazine'' among others, punctuate the presentation, usually between this modicum of contextual information and the program's listing. The game's titles are abbreviated into names that are no longer than six characters long -- e.g. ACEYDU for "Acey Ddeucy CArd Game"; AMAZIN for "Draw a Maze"; or POET for "Random Poetry (Haiku)." The book's table of contents comprises three columns: a list of game nametags in alphabetical order, a column bearing a single-line description of the game, and a page number where the game's actual title accompanies the game's name tag along the top of the page. The book’s preface makes a point of teasing out the educational value of games, the need for “unguided learning,” especially if one considers the value of creating games, not just playing them. The games in this book were submitted for compilation by many authors.

David H. Ahl's compilation, ''101 Basic Computer Games'', was first published in 1973 by the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Though not the first book of computer games, it was the first to collect only games in BASIC. It contains a listing of games, a sample run of each game, and usually a short description of each game. It also acknowledges each game's author(s) and lays out other sources if the game has been transformed from a previously known game. The program's "computer limitations" are also decsribed so users understand the hardward requirements. Finally, illustrations, courtesy of ''Mad Magazine'' among others, punctuate the presentation, usually between this modicum of contextual information and the program's listing. The game's titles are abbreviated into names that are no longer than six characters long -- e.g. ACEYDU for "Acey Ddeucy CArd Game"; AMAZIN for "Draw a Maze"; or POET for "Random Poetry (Haiku)." The book's table of contents comprises three columns: a list of game nametags in alphabetical order, a column bearing a single-line description of the game, and a page number where the game's actual title accompanies the game's name tag along the top of the page. The book’s preface makes a point of teasing out the educational value of games, the need for “unguided learning,” especially if one considers the value of creating games, not just playing them. The games in this book were submitted for compilation by many authors.