[1st ed] Fairy Tales For Computers

Collection of visionary stories and statements weighing the impact of technology on culture by an esteemed group of thinkers and writers: E.M. Forster, Franz Kafka, Theodor Herzl, Samuel Butler, Paul Valery, and Hans Christian Anderson. Compiled by Leslie Katz, designed by Edith McKeon Abbott and published in 1969 by the Eakins Press. Katz, the founder of Eakins Press, noted with irony of these prescient accounts in his Preface “Here…is what may be the first book of fairy tales and philosophical thoughts published for computers in a computerized world. In electronic terms [these] stories are prehistoric. Yet every race of beings needs a mythos of tradition: perhaps this collection may be viewed as semi–sacred prophetic writings that will help give computers a sense of religious origin and historic identity." Sewn binding in gilt-lettered wrappers printed by the Stinehour Press. Small 8vo (4 1/8” x 5 3/8”), 163 pages. A significant document, published relatively early in the Information Age, broaching themes that are only more topical now. Scarce. Slightest lean to spine. Minor foxing to top edge. Light chipping to front joint; front hinge slightly weakened.