An Introduction to Automatic Digital Computers R. K. Livesley 1957 First Edition
 
Title & Bibliographic Details
An Introduction to Automatic Digital Computers
By R. K. Livesley, Lecturer in the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge.
Part of the Cambridge Engineering Series, under the general editorship of J. F. Baker.
Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1957.
Imprint: Cambridge at the University Press. Published by the Syndics of the University Press, Bentley House, 200 Euston Road, London, N.W.1, with American branch at 32 East 57th Street, New York.
Printed in Great Britain at the University Press, Cambridge by Brooke Crutchley, University Printer.
This appears to be the first edition, published in 1957. No earlier editions are stated and the preface is dated 1956, strongly supporting first publication in 1957.
Complete with all photographic plates and diagrams.
Retains its original unclipped dust jacket, still showing the original price of 8s. 6d. net, clipped only at the upper portion of the front inner flap.
 
Historical & Bibliographic Context
This is an exceptionally early introduction to electronic computing, published at a pivotal moment in the history of computer science. Issued only nine years after the Manchester Baby, widely regarded as the first stored-program electronic computer, the book captures computing while it was still a highly specialised and rapidly developing field.
Rather than concentrating on circuit design, Livesley sought to explain computers to engineers and scientists who might one day use them in practice. Topics such as programming, binary notation, storage systems, punched cards, library routines and automatic programming are discussed at a remarkably early date, making the volume both historically important and highly readable.
The photographic plates are especially desirable, depicting early British computers including the Manchester computer of 1948 and the English Electric DEUCE, one of Britain's most significant early commercial machines.
For collectors of computing history, this represents an accessible and authentic contemporary account from the dawn of the digital age.
 
About the Author
R. K. Livesley was a Cambridge engineering lecturer best known for early computing education.
 
Binding & Exterior Description
Bound in the publisher's original dark green cloth with blind-stamped crest and borders to the front board and gilt lettering to the spine.
The book remains in very good condition for its age, retaining strong structural integrity with only light signs of handling and shelf wear.
The original dust jacket, designed by A. K. Bartl, survives in notably attractive condition. It remains intact and retains its original price, being clipped only at the upper section of the front inner flap. There is only light wear overall, making this a particularly appealing example.
 
Interior Condition
The pages are lightly toned as expected for the period.
There is light foxing to the pastedowns and endpapers, but the text pages are overall remarkably neat and clean. Only the occasional very small mark is present, and these do not affect readability.
The pages remain uncreased with no tears.
All pages are secure and tightly bound.
A small ownership inscription for G. S. T. Armer appears on the front free endpaper.
All photographic plates, diagrams and text pages are present and complete.
 
Physical Details
viii, 53 pages.
Complete with all photographic plates and diagrams.
Dimensions approximately 22.1 x 14.5 x 1 cm.
Weight approximately 216 g.
 
Rarity & Collector Notes
This book should be considered Scarce.
While not impossible to locate, early computing books from the 1950s have become increasingly desirable as collectors recognise their historical importance. This title was aimed at a specialist readership and was produced before computers entered mainstream use, resulting in comparatively small survival numbers.
Examples retaining the original dust jacket in very good condition are noticeably less common than ex-library or heavily used copies.
Its significance is enhanced by:
Early publication date (1957). 
Contemporary discussion of programming and automatic programming. 
Photographs of the Manchester computer and English Electric DEUCE. 
Original dust jacket. 
Cambridge University Press publication. 
Excellent overall condition. 
As a result, it appeals to collectors of computing history, engineering history and the development of early digital technology.