RIP Michael S. Hart - Founder of Project Gutenberg

Williebee · Sep 8, 2011

Hart was best known for his 1971 invention of electronic books, or eBooks. He founded Project Gutenberg, which is recognized as one of the earliest and longest-lasting online literary projects. He often told this story of how he had the idea for eBooks. He had been granted access to significant computing power at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. On July 4 1971, after being inspired by a free printed copy of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, he decided to type the text into a computer, and to transmit it to other users on the computer network. From this beginning, the digitization and distribution of literature was to be Hart's life's work, spanning over 40 years.

Chris P · Sep 8, 2011

Wow! I had no idea it had been going on so long. I didn't use the site much, but I appreciated it when I did.

Haggis · Sep 8, 2011

A life well spent, I'd say.

RIP, Mr. Hart.

regdog · Sep 8, 2011

Maryn · Sep 8, 2011

Peace--and plenty to read, Mr. Hart.

Maryn

blacbird · Sep 9, 2011

Great accomplishment, period. I have contributed public domain e-texts to Gutenberg, via typing into text form, and intend to do more. May it continue as his legacy.

caw

bettielee · Sep 9, 2011

He really was a visionary. RIP.

Smiling Ted · Jan 18, 2012

I didn't know it until know.
Rest in peace, Mr. Hart - you did a wonderful thing.

Gaslight · Jan 24, 2012

Thank you Mr Hart RIP

marcel · Jan 31, 2012

My first web related job was on creating ebooks.

God bless you Mr Hart RIP

AFord · Feb 8, 2012

Raising a toast to a great soul and innovator...Rest in Peace

RIP Michael S. Hart - Founder of Project Gutenberg

Williebee

Capeless, wingless, & yet I fly.

Chris P

Likes metaphors mixed, not stirred

Haggis

Evil, undead Chihuahua

regdog

The Scavengers

Maryn

Baaa!

blacbird

bettielee

I'm a sparkly fairy princess!

Smiling Ted

Ah-HA!

Gaslight

marcel

AFord

You know U R a book lover when ...