E-CATALOG/NEWSLETTER - REALITY SOFTWARE 09/27/95

*** REALITY SOFTWARE NOW HAS TWO SITES ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB!!***
    (See Internet section below)
                  
INTRODUCTION
   
        Reality Software is a small company whose husband and wife 
team is devoted to the publication of two product lines.

       We publish quality E-Books for DOS and Windows in 
ancient/medieval history and the history of religion. These books 
represent original, scholarly research and are designed for 
thinking adults. They are an attempt at original synthesis from the 
literature and some of the writing is at journal level. They are 
definitely not school-oriented software nor New Age fluff. 
       
      Reality Software also publishes a large series of Windows 
image collections/media albums and screen savers that feature a) 
archival, royalty free, historical photography and b) original 
computer art whose themes are mythic and visionary.
	
       All Windows E-Books come with Replica, an application 
independent viewing system that bypasses the need for a word 
processor. Replica is easily installed into WIN 3.1 or WFW 3.11 
and can then be used to view and print the electronic books. Full 
instructions are included and the software is very user friendly.
      
        For those of you who may be interested in our products and 
do not have a high-end Windows system, notice that several 
E-Books are available with a superb document viewing interface 
for DOS (BigText) that in the latest version (1.3) incorporates 
graphics to produce illustrated electronic books. We offer a 
money back guarantee: if you do not find a book captivating and 
interesting, return your disk(s) for a full-no questions-asked, 
refund. Assume all disks are high density.

        Seven publications in our series of Windows screen savers 
featuring archival transportation photography have been released. 
Two volumes feature images scanned from our private collection 
of 19th century locomotives. The other publications feature images 
of tall ships, classic sail boats, early bicycles and early
trolleys. The photos are quite rare and in most cases are single 
prints made by early photographers and collectors. With a handful 
of exceptions, none have ever been published before in any medium 
and then only many decades ago at very low resolution. Each photo 
has been meticulously restored to repair negative and print damages 
while maintaining the historical integrity of the image. Each 
graphics files in v1.0 of these publications is 8 bit, 256 grey 
scale, TIF and royalty free. Each graphics file in v1.2 of these
publications is 24 bit and royalty free to registered users.

        Four volumes in our Windows screen saver series of original 
visionary art have been released. 1) Fifteen original computer 
paintings explore the theme of Mythic Bears. 2) Fifteen original 
computer paintings explore the Epiphanies of the Neolithic 
Goddess.  3) Fifteen original computer paintings developed with 
fractals express images of Cosmic Creation. 4) Fifteen original 
computer paintings explore relationships with Sacred Animals.       
The shareware versions of each screen saver contain four 
images, the registered versions fifteen. There is no duplication 
among the collections and each graphics file in version 1.0 of
these publications is 8 bit, 256 color and PCX.  Each graphics
file in v1.2 of these publications is 24 bit, 16 million color,
and royalty free to registered users. At a cost of $1 or less per 
image, such a license is a bargain. Stock photography agencies 
typically charge $100 or more per image for commercial licenses. 

        Interactive Week for Feb.13, 1995 (Vol.2(3): 29) has a report 
about Bill Gate's latest venture. Having dominated the OS and 
software worlds through MicroSoft, Gate's has set his sights upon 
a new on-line service (to be bundled with Windows 95) and, of 
immediate concern to the graphics design and multimedia 
industries, a major expansion of his little known company called 
Now Corbis. Now Corbis holds an enormous library of stock 
photos with plans to triple its inventory in the near future. Corbis 
intends to sell one time licenses for each image and employs five 
intellectual property lawyers to write contracts with clients. I quote 
Mark Daniel, manager of sales. "We have not been selling 
an image for less than $100, and we also have sold an image 
up to $5,000. Normally, they [one-time reproduction licenses] 
are $200 to $400 an image."  

       Realize, that if you are a graphics designer or multimedia 
developer, this is the playing field now and for the foreseeable 
future. While Reality Software can only develop image collections 
built around specialized themes, if you can use our products, we 
offer the most inexpensive license in the industry: $1 per image for 
a lifetime royalty free license. And you will not have to talk to a 
lawyer. We wish to share our knowledge and creativity with you at 
the lowest cost possible.

        Reality Software also offers image restoration services: 
contact us at one of our many addresses listed below. We can 
often produce a nearly invisible repair of the problems caused by 
such damages as water or ink stains, and rips or tears in prints or 
negatives. We can also restore an appropriate contrast level and 
resolution to seriously faded images. If the image does not exist 
as computer media, we will scan it for you before beginning 
restoration.   


E-BOOK PUBLICATIONS

        1) Explore the Origins of Mythology with  hunter-gatherers in 
the Upper Paleolithic and Indians in the Amazon. Available in an 
illustrated Windows version that utilizes Replica (v1.5) or as v1.3 
for DOS (BigText) which is also illustrated. Have you ever 
wondered how it all began? Major references include the work of 
Alexander Marshak and shamanic practices among peoples of 
the Amazon.

        2) The White Goddess in Neolithic Old Europe is an in-depth 
study of the archeology, artifacts, iconography and ritual of the 
Goddess religion of Neolithic Europe. The material is based 
extensively on the breakthrough work of Marija Gimbutas. Several 
hypotheses are presented about iconography and metaphor which 
are drawn from realms as diverse as evolutionary biology and the 
marine zoology of megafauna in the dark abyss of the deep 
ocean. Available for DOS only.   

        3) Early Myth and The Goddess in Ancient China is a 
discussion of the feminine in Shang and Chou Dynasty myth and 
the central role played by the Myth of the Sacred Mulberry Tree 
(Fu Sang). Extensive use is made of the various latest archeology
research and analysis of early texts. There are extensive 
discussions of early Chinese and Manchu shamanism and their 
possible commonalities with Western metaphor. Available for both 
BigText and DOS (v1.3) and Replica for Windows (v1.5).

        4) Early Myth and Amaterasu in Neolithic and Medieval
Japan is a deep exploration of the earliest Japanese mythology
and ritual with an emphasis upon the origins and life of the
Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. Extensive use is made of the two eighth
century mythological histories: the Kojiki and Nihongi. Shinto,
kami and shamanism are discussed in depth. Biographies are
included for several important female rulers of Japan who may
well be manifestations of Amaterasu. The mythology and bear 
ritual of the Ainu are examined for insights that might reveal 
the sacred feminine. Available for both BigText and DOS (v1.3) 
and Replica for Windows (v1.5).

        5) Our book on disk about The White Goddess In Eire, 
Britain, Wales and Gaul was revised in 1993 and is available
for DOS (BigText) as v1.2. Explore the multiplex Goddess in 
Britain, Eire, Wales and Gaul. Boudicca's reign and her revolt 
against Rome and the Welsh epics are explored in some detail. 
If you ever wished to separate New Age nonsense from the 'real' 
historical myths, this book is for you.
	
        6) A 1994 revision of The Great Goddess in India and 
Tibet, is also available with the latest version of the superb 
document viewing interface for DOS (BigText) which is illustrated 
(v1.3), and Replica for Windows (v1.5). This study is 
exceptionally deep about tantra; gnosticism; the sacred horse 
ritual; the saga of the doomsday mare; the first appearance,
near demise and then resurgence of the Goddess in India; and 
Tara - the White and Green Goddess of Tibet.  

        8) World Art History Trivia Game is the ultimate world art 
history education is presented as an enjoyable Trivia game for DOS. 
Art from all over the globe, past and present, is related to 
historical, mythological and cultural beliefs and is presented as 
true-false or multiple choice questions. You can browse the data base 
before beginning play and choose to match wits against the
computer or your friends. Enjoy this deep exploration of tribal
cultures and high civilizations, past and present.  

        8) Our exceptional Historical TimeLine covers ancient and 
early medieval history for the period 12,000 B.C. to 900 A.D. and 
emphasizes the history of religion. It is only available for Windows 
3.1 or WFW 3.11 as TimeLine V4.0. There are literally hundreds of 
line items which include information found in no other timeline and 
there is a vast increase in the data from previous versions. A 
typical printout would be three pages across and 19 pages deep.


ARCHIVAL PHOTO and VISIONARY ART COLLECTIONS

        1) Trains 1: 19th Century Locomotives Vol.1 is a unique 
and fascinating collection of early locomotives scanned from 
rare photographs as described above. The highlight of this
collection is a photograph taken in the yard of a locomotive 
manufacturing company. This product is published as a screen
saver for Windows on three HD disks and each graphics file is 
royalty free.

        2) Trains 2: 19th Century Locomotives Vol.2 features 
fifteen all different, rare images of 19th century locomotives. 
The highlight of this collection is an extraordinary photograph 
of a narrow gauge logging locomotive with crew taken in a swamp 
in Georgia. This product is published as a screen saver for
Windows on two HD disks and each graphics file is royalty free.

        3) Trolleys 1: Vintage Trolleys Vol.1 features fifteen
all different, scarce images of vintage trolleys dating from the
last years of the 19th century through the 1940's. The
highlight of this collection is an open passenger car from the
late 19th century photographed beside a cemetery in Bangor, Maine.

        4) Trolleys 2: Vintage Trolleys Vol.2 features fifteen all
different, scarce images of vintage trolleys dating from the last
years of the 19th century through the 1940's. The highlight of
this collection is a turn-of-the-century photo of two open
passenger cars from which young people are disembarking at Salisbury
Beach, Massachusetts, then and now a well-known beach resort
town.
         
        5) Tall Ships: features fifteen rare images from the great age 
of sail. Great schooners, brigs and other vessels are featured at 
the dock and under full sail. The highlight of this collection is a 
very special photo of the launch of a five masted schooner at 
Waldoboro, Maine, our home town. This product is published as a 
screen saver for Windows on two HD disks and each graphics file 
is royalty free.

        6) Classic Sailboats features fifteen rare images of small, 
often privately owned, sailboats which reflect designs from the first 
half of this century. Several of the boats pictured are from 
mid-coast Maine. This product is also published as a screen 
saver for Windows on two HD disks and each graphics
files is royalty free.       

        7) Early Bicycles features fifteen rare images of early 
bicycles c. 1885-1915 with their owners and/or riders, some of 
whom are children. Photos of antique bicycles are exceedingly 
rare. This product is published on one HD disk with an interactive 
album/screen saver interface (i.e. as with Sacred Animals-see
below). The registered version allows you to make royalty free 
graphics files of each image.

        8) Mythic Bears features fifteen visionary-mythic paintings 
of bears in which aspects of transformation and myth are explored. 
Included are five rare photos of the Ainu Bear Ritual, last 
practiced on the northern Japanese Island of Hokkaido in the 
1920's, and 10 spectacular visionary paintings in color. This 
product is distributed as a screen saver for Windows on three HD 
disks and each graphics file is royalty free.

        9) Epiphanies of the Goddess features fifteen visionary-
mythic paintings which are original computer art. The symbolism of 
the Neolithic Goddess is explored in an extraordinary series 
whose imagery partakes of a transcendental vision in which you 
will see aspects of fantasy and surrealism. This product is
distributed on three HD disks as a Windows screen saver and 
each graphics file is royalty free. 

       10) Images of Creation features fifteen visionary images 
developed with fractals that explore Cosmic Creation. The 
metaphor of dynamic life force is explored through a series of 
beautiful computer paintings that are both mythic and 
contemplative. This product is distributed on three HD disks as a 
Windows media album and screen saver. Each image is royalty
free to registered users.

        11) Sacred Animals comprises fifteen visionary images, which 
are original computer art, that explore the timeless theme of
Animals from the Dreamtime. Spirit guides have often assumed the 
form of mythic animals whose assistance and knowledge have 
helped tribal peoples maximize their human potential in general, 
and provided special help in times of crisis. Other sacred animals 
embody supernatural forces which then interact with us in powerful 
ways.This product is distributed on two HD disks and the user 
has an option to install the images as a Windows screen saver. 
The interface is that of an interactive media-album. The user can 
easily explore the images, each of which has a text file that 
explains or comments upon the animal metaphor. All items in the 
album can be printed. The registered version has a function 
enabled which allows the user to easily make true color graphics 
files of each image which are royalty free.
      
              
       
SHAREWARE

        Shareware versions of E-Books contain introductory 
materials, a brief preview of the main text, and in some cases a 
glossary. Each also contains a packaged reader (explained 
above - BigText or Replica) which might be of interest to those 
involved with the technology of producing and disseminating 
E-Books. The approach to the Windows versions obviates the 
need for a user to have any word processor and allows for a 
highly designed text. Registration brings the full e-text of the book 
itself. Here is the listing of shareware files: Shareware versions of 
the Windows screen saver/photo collections include four images 
which are royalty free. 

1) Origins of Mythology: origin13.zip (0.13MB - DOS) and 
     origin15.zip (1.12MB - WIN).  

2) The White Goddess in Neolithic Old Europe: whgds.zip
    (.03MB - DOS only). 
 
3) Early Myth and the Goddess in Ancient China: china13.zip 
    (0.27MB - DOS) and chin15wn.zip (1.70MB - WIN). NOTE:
     shareware costs for chin15wn.zip are $4 USA and $5 
     overseas.

4) Early Myth and Amaterasu in Neolithic and Medieval Japan:
     japan13.zip (0.31MB - DOS) and japn15wn.zip (1.5MB-WIN).
     Note shareware cost for japn15wn.zip are $4 USA and $5
     overseas.
        
5) The White Goddess in Eire ...: celt12.zip (0.06MB - DOS only)

6) The Great Goddess in India and Tibet: intb13.zip (0.26MB
     DOS) and intb15wn.zip (1.42MB WIN).
     
7) World Art History Trivia Game: art_sw.zip (196K DOS only).     
   (Cannot be ordered from Reality Software.)

8) Historical TimeLine: tmln4wn.zip (1.16MB WIN only).

9) Trains 1: train1wn.zip (1.08MB WIN only): see CompuServe
   TRAINNET Forum below.

10) Trains 2: train2wn.zip (0.85MB WIN only): see CompuServe
    TRAINNET Forum below.

11) Trolleys 1: troll1wn.zip (0.80MB WIN only)

12) Trolleys 2: troll2wn.zip  (0.80MB WIN only)

13) Tall Ships: ships1wn.zip (1.2MB WIN only): see CompuServe
       SAILING Forum below.

14) Classic Sailboats: sail1wn.zip (1.2MB WIN): see CompuServe 
      SAILING Forum below.

15) Early Bicycles: bicyc1wn.zip (0.67MB WIN)
   
16) Mythic Bears: bears1wn.zip (0.93MB WIN only).

17) Epiphanies of the Goddess: epiph1wn.zip (1.06MB WIN only).   

18) Images of Creation: cret12wn.zip (1.1MB WIN only).

19) Sacred Animals: sacrd1wn.zip (0.73MB WIN only)
    
I can supply our shareware on HD disk at cost: $3 within 
the U.S. and $4 overseas (includes postage) for all titles 
with two exceptions (see above).

                                                                 
REALITY SOFTWARE IN CYBERSPACE AND THE BBS 
UNIVERSE

        SHAREWARE VERSIONS OF OUR PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE ON
ZIFFNET WHICH IS FAMILIAR TO ALL COMPUSERVE USERS AND EASILY
REACHED ONCE CONNECTED TO CS. Our shareware is may also be found at 
several of the largest BBS's in the United States such as 
Exec-PC (1-414 789-4210) and Software Creations (1-508 
368-7036). For all BBS' with the exception of Excalibur (see
below), set your communications software to ANSI emulation and 
8,1,N.  

        Reality Software is proud to be one of the Home Board 
Authors of Software Creations which was voted the number 1 BBS 
in the USA by Boardwatch Magazine for both 1993 and 1994. All of our 
shareware and freeware may be found in Directory 64 which 
appears on the first screen (SWC Authors) of file directory listing. 
Messages may also be left for me at SWC addressed to Ben 
Blumenberg: I check for mail there several times a week. Their 
main connect number is (508) 365-2359 (8,1,N). 
                               
        Tiger Team Buddhist Information Network is the home base 
for Reality Software: you will find our visionary art and e-book 
shareware there. This is an exceptional board for all those 
interested in Buddhism. Gary Ray is your sysop contact here. Dial 
(510) 268-0102 (8,1,N).  

        Just fifteen miles up the Maine Coast from the home of Reality 
Software is one of Maine's finest BBS's - A Bit of Maine. You will 
find all of our freeware and shareware in Directory 43 which may 
be easily accessed from the first screen of file directory listings. 
Rick Winslow is the fine sysop here and the connect number is 
(207) 594-7025 (8, 1, N).

        Ursa Major is fine BBS in California that now carries all of 
our publications. Reality Software shareware may be found in Dir 
192. The connect number for Ursa Major is (310) 545-5611 and the 
sysop is Scott Robb.

        Capital City OnLine is a Windows BBS running Excalibur
which provides an exceptionally attractive graphics interface.
You will need the Excalibur user software to connect to them.
This interface is freeware and provided by Excalibur as an 
automatic download on your first call. Excalibur now carries 
all of our shareware and recent releases may be found in Sysop's 
Picks at the main File Menu. An ongoing discussion about our
publications has been established in three message folders
of the General Forum. The sysop is Norris Sydnor, who is 
available, congenial and extremely helpful. Their connect number 
is (301) 808-7233.        

        TRAINS shareware is available on CompuServe in the 
Graphics II Library of the TRAINNET Forum as train1.zip and
train2.zip. Notice the different names of the archive files from
those given above. You can also download the extensive readme