Anyone researching a topic related to Computer Mediated Communication, be it hypertext, interactive fiction, networking, or the World Wide Web, should begin by reading History, for it covers the key developments in each of these areas (among many others) and in some ways works as an annotated bibliography.
Take, for example, the review of CMC that is presented in chapter four; there is mention of several key books, thematic journal issues, and conference materials:
Reviewing of this sort happens in each chapter as the authors survey the research in the field during each three-year period. This makes the book a valuable resource in the reference section of the library. When is the on-line version going to become available?