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Usborne 1980s Computer Books

Recorded: May 24, 2026, 4:58 p.m.

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Computer and coding books from Usborne | Usborne | Be Curious

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On this website you can browse and buy Usborne books in English, French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Dutch, Korean and Brazilian Portuguese.
In the UK and certain countries in Europe, you can buy directly from Usborne or from an Independent Usborne Partner. In the USA you can buy books via links to Usborne Books & More, the website of our US distributors.
Elsewhere in the world we provide links to local online retailers who will fulfil and deliver your order. Please check the retailer’s delivery destinations to make sure they deliver where you are.
In China, you can buy Usborne books in English and in Chinese (simplified characters) via online and offline retailers.

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Usborne 1980s Computer Books

Usborne 1980s Computer Books

Usborne has been publishing award-winning computer books since the 1980s, and we're happy to offer free pdfs of these books to download.
Simply scroll down to see the books and click on a cover. NB these programs don't work on modern computers. Please read our copyright notice. 
Many of today's tech professionals were inspired by the Usborne computing books they read as children. The books included program listings for such iconic computers as the ZX Spectrum, the BBC Micro and the Commodore 64, and are still used in some computer clubs today.
Links now available
We're sorry the pdfs were temporarily unavailable. The links have been updated and all the books should now be available. (25 November 2021)
 
Computer and coding books today

Our latest books on coding using Scratch and Python will give today's kids a clear understanding of computers and coding.

See all computer and coding books

Their format of colourful cartoons and easy to digest layout have made them something of a cult object among the now-grown-up generation who first received them.
Hackaday

Introduction to programming

Computer games listings

Adventure games

First computer library

 Copyright notice
These pdf copies of the original Usborne Computer Guides published in the 1980s are free to download for your own personal or educational use. The books and files are the copyright of Usborne Publishing. You can provide a link to the pdfs from your website, but you may not host or distribute the original files.
Please note
These books were written for 1980s computers such as the ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro. The programs will not run on modern computers. For any enquiries please email us at [email protected]
Adapting the programs
You may adapt any of the programs in these books to modern computer languages, and share the adaptations freely online. You may not use the adaptations for commercial purposes. Please credit the name of the Usborne book from which you adapted the program, and provide a link to this webpage.
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Try some Python coding online

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 About Us
Usborne is one of the world’s leading independent book publishers. We are proud to be a family business that aims to create brilliant books for children of all ages.

©2026 Usborne Publishing Limited

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Usborne is a leading independent book publisher that aims to create brilliant books for children across various age groups and themes. The publisher makes its books available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Dutch, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese, and distribution methods vary depending on the geographic location, offering direct sales, partner links, or links to local online retailers. The site organizes its extensive catalog by age, categories such as Activities and sticker books, Hobbies and interests, Fiction, Science, History, and Mental health, and specific subcategories such as Computers and coding.

The company has a specialized history in publishing computer books dating back to the 1980s, which includes free downloadable pdf copies of these original Usborne Computer Guides. These historical books featured program listings for iconic computers of that era, such as the ZX Spectrum, the BBC Micro, and the Commodore 64, which remains relevant in some computer clubs today. These older books are characterized by their colorful cartoon illustrations and easy-to-digest layouts, a format that has resonated with both the original audience and subsequent generations of technology professionals.

In their current offerings, Usborne provides the latest books focused on contemporary coding concepts, specifically utilizing Scratch and Python to give today's children a clear understanding of computing and programming. The publisher also offers avenues for extending the educational value of their materials, allowing users to adapt programs found in their books to modern computer languages for free, provided appropriate credit to the source is given, without commercial use of the adaptations. Users are encouraged to explore the broader range of content, which spans topics like the natural world, social and emotional learning, and mathematics, alongside general knowledge and creative writing materials. The catalog also includes specific collections such as stories, picture books, and books aimed at early years education.