The Cyberspace Lexicon [Paperback]

Bob Cotton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 1995

A unique reference book for all those using electronic media, The Cyberspace Lexicon provides a much-needed guide through the maze of existing and emerging technologies. From interactive video and multimedia, through to hypermedia, arcade games, high-band networks and virtual reality, this book explains all the essential concepts and technical terms. Techniques and technologies are defined, key concepts are explained, and 'buzzwords' are clarified. In-depth illustrated features covering major issues complement clear, concise entries designed for quick reference. With numerous colour photographs showing the latest programs and applications, this is an invaluable sourcebook for any media professional or student.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Richly illustrated with full-color photographs and computer-generated graphics, this beautifully designed dictionary of electronic multimedia arts lists more than 800 terms and concepts in alphabetical order. It includes a number of in-depth illustrated features that complement the more concise entries intended for quick reference. Multimedia technologies and techniques are clearly defined, and many key concepts are explained in detail, with cross references to related terms. A comprehensive bibliography of more than 140 works is also provided. Cotton and Oliver wrote the popular Understanding Hypermedia (Phaidon, 1993) and will no doubt repeat their success with this work, which is unique among computer dictionaries in its layout and its choice of terms. The timeliness and scope of this lexicon make it a good choice for reference collections in most public and academic libraries.
Joe Accardi, Northeastern Illinois Univ. Lib., Chicago
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

MIDI? MPC? MPEG? These are some examples of the specialized vocabulary of multimedia. The more than 800 concise definitions in this book go beyond the limits of most computer dictionaries to explain existing and emerging multimedia technologies, from video games to virtual reality. Terms are defined in language laypeople can understand; for example, "MIDI [Musical Instrument Digital Interface]--A standard for music information interchange adopted by the electronic music industry in 1983." Longer feature entries for such terms as full-motion video and infotainment and edutainment are scattered throughout the book and color illustrations crowd every page. An excellent cross-reference structure links related terms, and a lengthy bibliography ends the volume. The authors are British, but this is such an international industry that the book is appropriate for American audiences. Highly recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries. Sandy Whiteley

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Phaidon Press; 1St Edition edition (November 5, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714832677
• ISBN-13: 978-0714832678
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 10 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,499,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent look at technology in the early 90s, January 13, 2011

By 

Kev "Xbox Live Gamertag: DasXterminator" (Covington, GA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Cyberspace Lexicon (Paperback)

"The Cyberspace Lexicon" was a hybrid encyclopedia/dictionary published in 1994. Though outdated today, it still serves as a look back into what state-of-the-art technology was like in the early 90s. There is a lot of emphasis on "hypermedia", "CD-ROM", and CD-based video game systems. There is also a good entry on "cyberpunk" and "anime", along with an early mention of HDTV. You'll get a kick out of the entry on "cybersex". All in all, it is a good read if you're into the history of computer technology.

2.0 out of 5 stars Cyberspace History Told in Pictures, May 26, 2007

By 

S. Harris "SWO MAN" (Vienna, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Cyberspace Lexicon (Paperback)

A good book to understand the historical lexicon of cyberspace. This book is well written, but I would say that it covers a subject that changes so fast that it would have to be updated every three to five years to be worthwhile. I would borrow it, but I would not buy it.