Glass has made a lasting mark by writing about computer-associated failures. Beginning with his witty articles in Computerworld some years ago, he always seemed able to find humor in even the most dismal of many no-win situations.

This latest, 112-page oversize pocketbook is not what would be expected. First, the cover should read Robert L. Glass, EDITOR, rather than simply Robert L. Glass, as the book contains little of his own original writing. Rather, it consists of reprinted articles by quite a variety of authors. Second, there is little comedy in the 16 different corporate, personal, and project tragedies included in the text. To compensate for this, the book finishes with two somewhat upbeat reprints: a possible recovery from failure (Storage Tech) and a known success (Intel’s 80286 chip).

The sketches of ghost town buildings and other memorabilia by Salsman are intriguing and generally appropriate. The book is well typeset and well organized.

If you need something that will help pass some waiting time in an airport, on a plane, in a motel, or wherever; something that also contains valuable, if negative, lessons; and something that will not waste your valuable time, try this little book.