Choosing a vintage computer project book usually means weighing nostalgic content against physical condition. In this case, the Giant Handbook of Computer Projects from 73 Magazine offers a 1979 hardcover collection for USD 23.00, but the cover shows clear wear. Is it a smart buy for your bookshelf and workbench, or a pass? Let's look.
Quick verdict
At $23, this 1979 hardcover earns a yes for practical readers who care more about project ideas than a pristine dust jacket. The copy has front-cover damage from an apparent sticker peel, creased corners with graphic loss, and decent pages. That combination makes it a working copy rather than a collectible showpiece.
Giant Handbook of Computer Projects by The Editors of 73 Magazine 1979 HC 2nd Pr
Published in 1979 by the editors of 73 Magazine, this hardcover is the second printing of a project anthology that fits naturally onto any hobbyist's reference shelf. It's in English with a 9780830697243 ISBN, and the condition is Good. The interior pages are decent, which matters for an activity-driven book you'll likely prop open while tinkering.
What stands out from the listed details
The most compelling detail is the book's origin: compiled by the editors of 73 Magazine, a long-running hobbyist publication. That pedigree signals a hands-on, practical approach. The hardcover format is a plus for a well-thumbed workspace book, and the 1979 publication date places it in the era of early personal computing projects. This second printing is a concrete artifact of that time.
On the other hand, the physical condition is the main thing you'll need to accept. The front cover has a peeled area that looks like a sticker was removed, and the corners are creased with graphic loss. Those imperfections are why a 1979 hardcover like this is priced at $23 rather than at collector levels. The pages being decent means the content should remain usable, but the exterior won't win any beauty contests.
Who it suits
This guide suits someone who intends to actually read and use it: a vintage computer hobbyist, a ham radio enthusiast curious about early digital projects, or a retro-technology educator building a reference shelf. It also works for a collector who already has a fine copy and wants a loaner or reading copy. If you're seeking a gift-quality or museum-grade volume, the cover damage will likely bother you.
Meaningful trade-offs
The biggest trade-off is clear: you're getting a content-rich hardcover with a worn shell. The $23 price has to be judged against what you value. If you want project information from the late 1970s, the interior pages are the priority, and they are decent. If you care about exterior appearance or investment-grade condition, the creased corners and peeled front cover are significant drawbacks.
Also consider that the projects themselves are from 1979. Some will feel dated or require parts that are harder to find today. But for someone who enjoys restoring vintage hardware, that datedness can be part of the appeal.
Bottom line
The Giant Handbook of Computer Projects at USD 23.00 is a reasonable pick for a hobbyist who wants a readable hardcover from this era and can accept a cover that has clearly been handled. The interior pages are decent, and the 73 Magazine editors' project approach has a loyal following. If you're the kind of builder who values content over condition, this could be a worthwhile addition. For anyone wanting a pristine shelf piece, it's better to keep looking.
