The aim of this chapter is to . . . show that . . . word processing cannot be easily divorced from other skills and that it is not inherently a trivial subject (p. 70).

--From the Introduction

The major point made by Rahtz is that a document is a structured entity. Like any other database it has a conceptual representation, that is, the logical structure, and a physical representation, namely, the text and its printed form. By pursuing this line of reasoning, the author demonstrates that word processing by computer (as opposed to using the computer as a kind of typewriter) is a nontrivial and an integral part of computerized information handling. Since the structuring and processing of information (text), not typesetting and page composition (which are skills a typesetter and a book designer, not an author, need) are being discussed, then word processing is a proper subject for college or university students. It should not be considered a practical or derivative skill; to use Rahtz’s examples, it is like driving (from physics) or tax evasion (from economics). In other words, “Many good writers say quite seriously that they don’t know what they think until they write it because writing is thinking” [1].

The author shows that word processing is essential to, and not separable from, all academic endeavors. In addition, he provides good, succinct discussions of the desirable and essential features of a word processing system (except text formatting) and of desktop typesetting and short-run printing, more commonly known as desktop publishing. It is nice to see someone using a properly descriptive term for this activity. Many authors have been their own publisher; far fewer have been their own typesetter or printer.

Since the references appear at the end of the book, and were not made available to me, I have not been able to evaluate them. However, if the other chapters are as well written as this one, I can not only recommend the chapter, but the entire book as well.