cover image Points of View: A Tribute to Alan Kay

Points of View: A Tribute to Alan Kay

Edited by Ian Piumarta and Kimberly Rose, Viewpoints Research Institute (www.vpri.org/pov), $55 (272p) ISBN 978-0-9743131-1-5

Pioneering computer scientist Alan Kay, who in 1968 conceived laptop and tablet PCs with his Dynabook idea, is honored in this dynamic and fascinating essay collection. During his illustrious career, Kay—celebrated for his passion for books, music, education, food, and life—worked with the likes of Xerox PARC, Atari, Apple, and Walt Disney Imagineering; cofounded the nonprofit Viewpoints Research Institute; and created the programming language Smalltalk. Contributing essays to a collection originally compiled as a birthday present to Kay are prominent computer scientists, information technology professionals, music producer Quincy Jones, artist and author Betty Edwards, and master organ builder Greg Harrold. Although in some essays the authors are self-aggrandizing, overtly lauding their own achievements, and others are too technical to interest anyone but computer scientists, heartfelt adoration for Kay shines through. This is a touching labor of love and celebration of work, technology, and learning. Four b&w and 35 color illus.