Concise Atari ST 68000 Programmer's Reference Guide
When we introduced the ST series of computers at Atari, we coined the phrase "Power without the Price". This sums up all that had been in our minds when we decided to design a range of powerful but low-cost machines that could be used for all applications ranging from sophisticated games to complex business and scientific uses.
During the past few years, ever since I was responsible for bringing the first mass-produced electronic calculators and then the first true computers to the public at an affordable price, my whole aim has been to bring the benefits of technology to those of average income. We have to get high technology out of the hands of the few into the hands of the many. As I have said before we want "classes for the masses". If you give somebody some sophisticated machinery then you’ll be surprised what they can do with it. Time and again we have been amazed at what users have done with the technology when it is made freely available at an affordable price.
And that brings me on to this series of books, edited by my old acquaintance Robin Bradbeer. It is impossible to give all the information necessary to completely cover all the uses of a computer in the instruction manual. Also, if more than one person explains something they bring out differing strengths of the system. This series of books should help all users of the ST to get to know the machine better and therefore use it more productively. Who knows, we at Atari may yet again be surprised by what you, the user, can do with the affordable technology that we have provided.
Jack Tramiel
1986