Acts of the Apostles/Cheap Complex Devices

John F.X. Sundman is the author of Acts of the Apostles , an independently published, computer science, science fiction-attach-whatever-label-you-want-but-it's-good book, which we've reviewed on Slashdot before. Recently, he's taken his other work Cheap Complex Devices, updated, edited, and put together a package with Acts, available in PDF and dead tree version. I had the pleasure of reading both of them again -- read more to see my thoughts.Update: 09/09 16:11 GMT by T : Oops -- that should have read (as it now does) "Cheap Complex Devices" rather than "Cheap Computing Devices." That is all. Acts of the Apostles/Cheap Complex Devices author John F.X. Sundman pages 400 publisher Rosalita Associates rating 9 reviewer Hemos ISBN (see website for each) summary Two Sundman books combined for even greater power.

First of all, I'm not going to be doing another review of Acts, as I've already done that once. It is worth noting, however, that this is the first time both CCD and Acts have been brought together in an omnibus edition. I've got two different copies of Acts, but greatly enjoyed reading the two together again. Why? Because they fit together like two sides of the same coin -- or better yet, like Walther Matthau and Jack Lemmon.

Cheap Complex Devices's backdrop is that of being (supposedly) machine-written. (The foreword and descriptors of the book itself are greatly entertaining. It's that kind of writing that flows over into Acts.) While the scene may (or may not) have not even the slightest passing resemblance to reality, it's still something that grips your mind. You believe that the "Hofstader Prize for Machine Written Narration" could exist, and that the Society for Analytical Engines sounds pretty reasonable. Heck, it sounds at least as reasonable as the ACM.

BTW, if you can't be bothered to read Acts of the Apostles, take my advice and do it. I believe my standing quote on the book is that it's what Tom Clancy would write if he wasn't dumb. Essentially, it's a great techno-thriller, except the technology is something that a geek would appreciate -- but it's also written well enough that non-geeks will enjoy it. The hero of that book makes an apperance in CCD as one of the heroes in one of the automata written texts.

The actual text of the stories in CCD are just as amusing as the commentary about them, although oddly enough I think I actually like the commentary more then the stories. "Bees" is a commentary on what it means to be human, albiet with a peculiar focus on Gatorade. And the Bonehead Computer - well, just doing a little Googling for it.

I'm not sure what else to say about these books, other then read 'em. If you liked Naked Lunch, or any sort of thrillers, or thought GEB was an amazing work, or just like to read, these books will thrill ya.

To get them, John has a website to purchase CCD. He takes Paypal or checks in the mail. You can buy them in PDF or have dead tree versions sent, or both. Whatever -- you do what want. One caveat though: "Final 'truth in advertising' note: the version of CCD on my website is 87.9842% the same as the final book form (the book is better). I'll reconcile them soon. " (note from John)

Enjoy.

Comments

Grumpy Old Men

[haa...jesus christ]

Because they fit together like two sides of the same coin -- or better yet, like Walther Matthau and Jack Lemmon.

you have issues, hemos. and i mean that in the best possible way.