“Commodore Amiga: A Visual Compendium” Book Review

The Amiga Visual Compendium Kickstarter package.

I have received my Amiga Visual Compendium¹ book package from Bitmap Books/Kickstarter, and, WOW!  This book is incredibly beautiful; chock full with edge-to-edge screen-captures of some of the most famous and believed Amiga software created. The “Shadow Of The Beast” remix CD is fun, and the stickers, pen and bookmark are great.

The goodies from the Kickstarter.

Although the full Kickstarter package is not available any longer, the book is and the book itself is magnificent.  Smartly bound with two built-in bookmarks, and high quality paper and printing.  The Commodore Amiga: Visual Compendium is not simply a collection of screenshots, but includes interviews and quotes from the programmers and artists involved in the software and games highlighted.

The “Amiga” bookmark from the Kickstarter.

Sam Dyer and the team at Bitmap Books have delivered an essential book that should be in the collection of any Amiga fan.  Although it is not as technically detailed as Jimmy Maher’s book “The Future Was Here: Commodore Amiga”, “Commodore Amiga: A Visual Compendium” is the perfect companion, and an important study on the Amiga on its own.

Commodore Amiga: A Visual Compendium² –

Pros:

• Extraordinary quality throughout
• Fantastic details and information regarding important and popular Amiga software and games
• A vital addition to the collection of any Amiga fan

Cons:

• It is not inexpensive, but you-get-what-you-pay-for
• For US readers, it may seem to have a bit of a European Amiga-scene focus

Verdict = Highly recommended, for its target audience

For more Amiga memories, check out our collection of classic Amiga wallpaper, fonts, demos and more.