David H. Ahl
Father of computer gaming books
Publisher and author whose BASIC Computer Games became the first million-selling computer book, inspiring a generation of programmers.
Overview
David H. Ahl published BASIC Computer Games in 1973, creating the first computer book to sell over a million copies. He also founded Creative Computing magazine in 1974, one of the earliest publications dedicated to personal computing.
Through his books and magazine, Ahl brought computing to ordinary people before home computers existed, and then helped the home computer revolution flourish with accessible content.
Fast Facts
- Born: 1939, USA
- Notable work: BASIC Computer Games (1973, expanded 1978)
- Magazine: Creative Computing (1974-1985)
- Sales: Over 1 million copies of BASIC Computer Games
- Impact: Made computing accessible to non-specialists
Key Publications
Ahl’s publishing career shaped early computing:
- BASIC Computer Games (1973, 1978) - 101 type-in programs
- More BASIC Computer Games (1979) - Sequel
- Creative Computing magazine (1974-1985)
- Computers in Mathematics - Educational focus
Creative Computing Magazine
Ahl founded Creative Computing in 1974, which became:
- One of the first personal computing magazines
- A platform for game listings and articles
- A community for early computer enthusiasts
- An advocate for computing education
The magazine ran until 1985, covering the entire rise of personal computing.
Historical Context
Ahl’s books predated home computers. People typed his programs into:
- University mainframes
- Business minicomputers
- Early microcomputers (Altair, IMSAI)
- School computer labs
When home computers arrived, his books were ready.
Legacy
The type-in culture that Ahl helped establish influenced:
- Magazine listings (COMPUTE!, etc.)
- Usborne computing books
- The expectation that computers should be programmable
- A generation of self-taught programmers