The Spreadsheet at 25

Title:
The Spreadsheet at 25

Publisher:
Holy Macro! Books

Year:
2005

Target group:
Spreadsheet users who want to know the origin of "the invention that changed the world"

Ranking:
On a scale from 1 to 5: 4.5
On a scale from 1 to 10: 9


Comments:
Mr Excel has authored books on how to use Excel, but this one is more fun than the "how do you ..." books. A complete and thorough trip along the timeline of spreadsheet development is complemented nicely by pictures of both the creators and the creations. The colored pages keep you interested throughout the read.

A pop-up page (the only spreadsheet book to have one, I believe) illustrates the timeline from 1850 to the present. 1850?, that's a bit longer than 25 years, isn't it? Well, yes, but the earliest written spreadsheets are traced back to that year. The practical electronic spreadsheet is a mere 25 years old.

The first section of the book is the history of the spreadsheet. It is well written in Mr. Excel's professional and witty manner. The sections on Cool Things People Do with Excel, 25 wonders of the Spreadsheet World, and 25 Cool Things You Can Do with Excel offer more than a typical history lesson.

Mr. Excel is known for giving credit where it is due, and this book is no exception. The final section gives the reader a look at the individuals who helped in the creation of this fine piece of work. If you're a regular here or at Mr. Excel, you will likely recognize most of them!

This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys spreadsheets.