ROME, Oct. 16, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that
“Christian Bioethics,” the new book from H.E Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, has been released as an eBook in the Microsoft® Reader format. Attending the event were Cardinal Tettamanzi, archbishop of Genoa; Dick Brass, vice president of technology development at Microsoft; Pietro Marietti, chief operating officer of Edizioni Piemme, publisher of Cardinal Tettamanzi’s book; and several key members of the press.
Publishing this dynamic work as an eBook will greatly improve access to this important topic, making it available to a larger audience, and helping to clarify the dialogue on this key topic that affects people all over the world. The eBook version of
“Christian Bioethics”
is available for download to PCs, laptops and Pocket PCs at http://www.bioeticacristiana.it/ .
In addition to the book, Cardinal Tettamanzi and his team have created a Web site ( http://www.bioeticacristiana.it/ ) where they’ll receive questions via e-mail that will be addressed by an expert panel including physicians, theologians, legal experts and Cardinal Tettamanzi. These replies will be incorporated into future editions of the text, so the eBook will be continually updated. This interaction will greatly increase the value of the project as future editions are updated to offer advice on developments in the biotechnologies and their ethical and moral impact.
“It is heartening to see the Catholic Church continue to guide efforts aimed at the betterment of humanity by publishing an important work such as ‘Christian Bioethics’ in Microsoft Reader format, where it will be widely and immediately available around the world,”
Brass said.
“When Gutenberg created the first printed Bible, it began a bountiful tradition that linked religion with literacy and learning, a tradition in which the Catholic Church has long been the standard-bearer. Countless people throughout history have benefited from the Church’s work, and this will continue thanks to the cardinal’s decision to embrace eBooks. We are honored to be a part of it.”
With its innovative ClearType™ display technology, Microsoft Reader delivers for the first time an on-screen computer reading experience that approaches the convenience and quality of reading text on paper. Developed by Microsoft Research, Microsoft Reader greatly improves font resolution on LCD screens for users of Pocket PCs, laptops and desktop PCs running the Windows® operating system. Beyond ClearType, Microsoft Reader includes patented reading enhancements that adhere to the best qualities of fine typography. It offers a clean, uncluttered display; ample margins; full justification; proper spacing, leading and kerning; and powerful tools for bookmarking, highlighting and annotation. This innovative software is available for free download at http://www.microsoft.com/reader/ (connect-time charges may apply).
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