Vintage Ladybird Book – How it Works: The Computer (Series 654, 1971)
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Step back into the fascinating world of early technology with this original Ladybird Book, How it Works: The Computer, first published in 1971 by Wills & Hepworth Ltd as part of the much-loved How it Works series (Series 654).
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Written by David Carey and beautifully illustrated by B. H. Robinson, this educational book was designed to explain the mysterious world of computers to children and young students at the dawn of the digital age.
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Inside, you’ll find wonderfully nostalgic illustrations of:
Enormous mainframe computers filling entire rooms
Operators working with punch cards and tape drives
Early explanations of control units, memory, and programming
Comparisons between analogue and digital computers
A glossary of computing terms as understood in the early 1970s
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At the time, computers were still viewed as futuristic machines — capable of helping man reach the moon, yet baffling in their complexity. This book captures that sense of wonder perfectly.
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Key Details
Title: How it Works – The Computer
Series: 654 (How it Works)
Author: David Carey
Illustrator: B. H. Robinson
Publisher: Wills & Hepworth Ltd, Loughborough, England
First published: 1971
Original price: 15p (printed on back cover)
Condition: Good vintage condition – some minor spine and cover wear, pages clean and intact.
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Why Collect This Book?
A brilliant snapshot of computing history before the rise of home PCs
Part of the iconic Ladybird “How it Works” series, highly sought after by collectors
Richly illustrated, blending retro charm with educational clarity
A piece of 1970s ephemera that appeals equally to book collectors, technologists, and design enthusiasts
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Ideal for: Collectors of Ladybird books, lovers of retro technology, or anyone looking for a unique vintage gift with nostalgic charm.