Rare original “Conference Proceedings” reference book from the inaugural West Coast Computer Faire, which was held at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium, between April 15–17, 1977, 334 pages, 8.5 x 10.75, published by Computer Fair and edited by Jim C. Warren, Jr. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, 22 and 26 years of age, respectively, famously attended the exposition to debut their forthcoming Apple II personal computer, which was released only two months later. Apple Computer is listed among the numerous ‘Commercial Exhibitors,’ and includes their contact information: “20863 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014, (408) 996-1010.”
The guidebook, entitled “The First West Coast Computer Fair: A Conference & Exposition on Personal & Home Computers,” contains detailed information on all of the conference’s many events and lectures: Friday & Saturday Banquet Speeches, Tutorials for the Computer Novice, People & Computers, Human Aspects of System Design, Computers for Physically Disabled, Legal Aspects of Personal Computing, Heretical Proposals, Computer Art Systems, Music & Computers, Electronic Mail, Computer Networking for Everyone, Personal Computers for Education, Residential Energy & Computers, Systems for Very Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Speech Recognition & Speech Synthesis by Computer, Tutorials on Software Systems Design, Implementation of Software Systems and Modules, High-Level Languages for Home Computers, Multi-Tasking on Home Computers, Homebrew Hardware, Bus & Interface Standards, Microprogrammable Microprocessors for Hobbyists, Amateur Radio & Computers, and Commercial Hardware. The front cover bears an ownership notation. In fine condition, with a few small stains to covers, some paper loss to right edge of the front cover, and a crease to the back cover.
A significant early reference book from the first great computer fair, a revolutionary meeting of minds that introduced important machines like the Commodore PET and the Apple II. It was at this exhibition that Jobs introduced the Apple II to Japanese textile maker Toshio Mizushima, who became the first authorized Apple dealer in Japan. The first WCCF is also where Wozniak handed out his ‘From Altair to Zaltair’ gag fliers, a parody of the Altair 8800 computer made by MITS.
