Encyclopedia For The TRS-80

written by Matthew Reed

Back in 1981, the TRS-80 was the best selling computer and 80 Microcomputing magazine was bursting at the seams. Wayne Green, the publisher of 80 Microcomputing, envisioned a new set of books: the Encyclopedia for the TRS-80. As the first advertisement stated:

Unlike conventional encyclopedias, the Encyclopedia for the TRS-80 will never become stale or out of date. That’s because the volumes are being issued one-at-a-time, over months. Each new volume will reflect the latest developments and discoveries, making this a living encyclopedia for TRS-80 users.

The articles contained in the Encyclopedia were new and had not been previously published in 80 Microcomputing. They covered many topics, including tutorials, software, hardware, and games—without product reviews or other time-sensitive content.

The Encyclopedia was available in two editions, with a discount of one volume when buying the complete set:

• the “deluxe Collector’s Edition” hardcover (with dust jacket) for $19.95 per volume
• the economical softcover edition for $10.95 per volume

There were ten volumes published. Volume 1 appeared in April 1981 and volume 10 in September 1982, which also contained an extensive index of the series.

For each volume there was a companion Encyclopedia Loader cassette. Each cassette contained the programs from the volume and cost an additional $14.95.