The cover reminded me of the unusual style of "Miner 2049er" video game [0] of that era. Sure enough, same illustrator!

[0] https://r.mprd.se/fup/up/91423-Miner_2049er_Volume_II_(1983)...

The chapters on programming is suprprisingly good for a book of this vintage.

Many home computers of the same era came with user manuals which contained chapters on programming because it was something the average user of the day was expected to do with their computer. Although some were awful many were extremely good.

Commodore's own user guide for the C64 was excellent and even covered BASIC programming of sprite graphics and sound. Commodore's programmers reference guide was an amazing resource and still beats most system documentation you get today.

> Many home computers of the same era came with user manuals which contained chapters on programming

I know – my point was that even for its time, compared with its contemporary books, the chapters on programming was – and is – surprisingly good.