PUBLISHER PROFILE
NAME:Sybex France SARL
FOUNDED:1979 (Paris)
GOLDEN AGE:1984 — 1992 (Amstrad Era)
STATUS:Acquired by Wiley (2005)
SPECIALTY:Technical Literature / Manuals
CURRENT WEB:Sybex.com
BRIEF COMMENT:
The epicenter of technical documentation for the European market, Sybex was the key piece that allowed Amstrad users to master their machines through an unprecedented educational style.
Description
Sybex was one of the most influential computing publishers in the world during the microcomputer revolution. Originally founded in 1976 in Berkeley by Dr. Rodnay Zaks, its French subsidiary became the heart of technical documentation for the European market, particularly noted for its manuals dedicated to the Amstrad CPC and PCW ranges.
Unlike official manufacturer manuals, which were often dry, Sybex applied a didactic and visual style. Their books, recognizable by their colorful covers, allowed thousands of home users to learn BASIC programming, Z80 assembly, and the use of operating systems like CP/M. In France, Sybex's relationship with Amstrad's success was symbiotic, publishing what are considered the "bibles" of these systems.
Headquarters Evolution (France)
1980s: 6-8 Impasse du Curé, 75018 Paris
Main headquarters during the 8-bit boom. Tel: +33 (1) 42.03.92.10
1990s: 1 Villa Cœur de Vey, 75014 Paris
Headquarters during the transition to PC.
Final: 76 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 92240 Malakoff
Last location (Le Polaris building).
Authors and Reference Titles
Rodnay Zaks (Founder / Guru)
CP/M for everyone, The Amstrad Book.
Daniel-Jean David (8-bit Systems)
The Amstrad CPC 6128 for everyone.
Claude Derrieu (Programming)
Keys for Amstrad, BASIC and Machine Code.
Pierre Le Beux (Dictionaries)
Computing Dictionary.
Featured Technical Manuals
CP/M for everyone
Considered the definitive guide to understanding the PCW's disk system.
Keeping your accounts on Amstrad
One of the first office-focused guides for the PCW 8256.
Z80 Programming
Zaks' reference manual for those wanting to squeeze the Amstrad CPU.
Legacy
Following the acquisition of the US parent company by John Wiley & Sons in 2005, the Sybex brand remained as a specialized imprint. In France, the original offices closed, but its editorial backlist was the foundation upon which modern computing manuals were built. For the Amstrad collector, a Sybex book with the "paper computer" logo is a cult object today.