The Computer was originally produced as part of the Ladybird How it Works series.

The book is a simplified definition of how a computer works and the uses to which they were put at the time. Back in the 1970s and early '80s this children's book was seen as a useful aid by some organizations for introducing their staff to computers at that time.

Ladybird went as far as creating a special version for the MoD without any Ladybird branding, as they did not want their trainee staff to know that they were learning from a children's book. The MoD classed it as a training pamplhet, however no copies have ever been located by collectors.

Platinum Squared is always on the lookout for interesting retro-computer items, so one of our CLAS consultants bought a copy of the standard Ladybird book from E-Bay for a few pence. Although not one of the legendary MoD copies, it has it's own interesting provenance as the pictures below show.

It's certainly a coincidence. We contacted the seller, asking where they got it from, but they had no idea. The mystery of who took it from the library may never be solved.

If you happen to have one of the MoD versions, or have any other information on these old IT oddities, please contact us at: info@platinumsquared.co.uk