Hypertext in Context

Hypertext, the term used to describe the storage of electronic data whether it is textual or graphic, is defined in this book as an interdisciplinary subject, overlapping psychology, computer science and information science.

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Hypertext is the term coined for the electronic storage of data, whether it be textual or graphical, in such a way that the whole file transcends simple word processing and becomes more an 'electronic concordance'. In this book the authors cut through the hype surrounding hypertext and evaluate the simple ideas that underlie it. These ideals have led to a variety of claims for hypertext's potential, and the claims are considered here in such contexts as the development of a written tradition, the psychology of navigation, and the use of computers as educational aids. Only within context can the true worth of hypertext be assessed. Consequently, software authors, publishers, psychologists and all those involved in the information industry will turn to this volume for the advice they need in evaluating hypertext.