E-books imagined in 1935

The April, 1935 issue of Everyday Science and Mechanics included this invention which was to be the next logical step in the world of publishing. A microfilm reader was mounted on a large pole. The media device let you sit back in your favorite chair while reading your latest tome of choice.

It has proved possible to photograph books, and throw them on a screen for examination, as illustrated long ago in this magazine. At the left is a device for applying this for home use and instruction; it is practically automatic.

Additional text accompanying the illustration reads, “You can read a ‘book’ (which is a roll of miniature film), music, etc., at your ease.”

Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-ipad-of-1935-115653218/