One of the most exciting retro highlights at PLAY Expo Blackpool 2025 wasn’t a game, but a book — the new remastered edition of Andrew Hewson’s classic programming guide, 20 Best Programs for the ZX Spectrum.
Although I didn’t get the chance to speak to Andrew himself this time (he was understandably busy), his presence at the event drew plenty of attention from retro computing fans. For many Spectrum enthusiasts, Hewson’s books were a defining part of their early coding journeys — teaching a generation how to make their own games and utilities on Sinclair’s iconic 8-bit computer.
The Kickstarter campaign for the remastered edition launched over the same weekend as the expo, and it’s already seen remarkable success. With under two weeks still to go, the project has smashed its £10,000 funding target, currently sitting at around £16,272 (approximately $21,800). That’s an incredible response from the retro community, showing just how much affection remains for Hewson’s work and the ZX Spectrum era as a whole.
Given the speed at which the campaign has grown, it’s safe to say this remastered edition will find its way into plenty of nostalgic hands when it’s released.
👉 Support the 20 Best Programs for the ZX Spectrum remaster on Kickstarter while you still can — and relive the golden age of bedroom coding with one of the most influential programming books ever written.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
