BookVirtual Inc. has released "The Rattle of Pebbles" by Jason Epstein, originally published in paper within The New York Review of Book, as a prototype digital book utilizing PDF.

Founded by Patrick Ames, former founder of Adobe Press and co-founder (with Adobe CEO John Warnock) and CEO of Octavo Corporation, BookVirtual Inc. has been formed "to create a dramatic environment for the publication and distribution of digital books."

In an article previously written for Planet PDF, Ames explains why he believes that "PDF will ... be the [eBook] display technology of choice."

According to Ames, his new company "is founded on a simple premise: In order for digital books to be popular, people have to enjoy reading them on-screen. BookVirtual is building patents and creating solutions focused on that goal."

Ames invites users -- especially Acrobat/PDF-savvy types -- to download the 800 kb prototype, have a look and then send him any feedback and constructive criticism.

NOTE: Ames says this prototype has been created to work on personal computers, not hand-held e-book devices.

BookVirtual's prototype digital book has its own navigation and viewing scheme, based on commonly used Acrobat features. It also allows the reader to connect to the Web or to email the author directly from the ebook.

DOWNLOAD from:

• Planet PDF: Rattle.pdf [PDF: 798kb]
  OR

• BookVirtual download page