The new generation of books on writing computer user documentation

Criteria are established that can be used to evaluate any book that promises to explain how one should go about writing documentation. Eight new books on the topic of computer user documentation were published in late 1984 and the first half of 1985. Only those new books that are either better than the books that have appeared previously or that offer something new and important are recommended. Comparing these books, the author considers the qualities that would constitute a perfect book on computer user documentation and judges which of those available come closest to the mark.