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Usborne Computing Books

Colourful code for kids

Usborne's computing books taught programming to a generation through colourful illustrations, clear explanations, and type-in programs.

C64Spectrumbbc-micro bookseducationprogramming 1982–present

Overview

Usborne Publishing’s computing series made programming accessible to children. Colourful illustrations, friendly aliens and robots, and clear step-by-step instructions introduced concepts from BASIC to machine code. Books like Computer Spacegames and Machine Code for Beginners launched countless programming careers. Usborne later made these classics freely available online.

Fast facts

  • Publisher: Usborne Publishing.
  • Era: primarily 1982-1987.
  • Style: colourful illustrations, friendly characters.
  • Content: BASIC programs, concepts, machine code.
  • Revival: PDFs released free in 2016.

Notable titles

Key Usborne computing books:

  • Computer Spacegames: type-in game programs.
  • Machine Code for Beginners: accessible assembly introduction.
  • Write Your Own Adventure Programs: game design basics.
  • The Mystery of Silver Mountain: programming via adventure story.

Why they worked

Effective educational design:

  • Visual appeal: colourful, engaging pages.
  • Clear explanation: complex concepts made simple.
  • Practical programs: immediately runnable code.
  • Progressive difficulty: built skills gradually.

See also