About Me
I’m Rick Stewart, the creator of The Compendium series — a multi‑volume project built to give everyday users a clear, confident understanding of the technology they rely on. I’ve spent years writing, refining, and architecting these books so they feel less like manuals and more like guided tours through the systems we use every day. My goal is simple: to make technology feel human, approachable, and even a little fun.
I live in Idaho, where most of this work has been drafted, rewritten, torn apart, rebuilt, and shaped into the cathedral‑grade narrative that defines the Compendium style. My writing is fueled by curiosity, a love of clarity, and the belief that people deserve explanations that respect their intelligence instead of talking down to them.
My cat Simon was with me through much of the early writing, and though he’s gone now, he remains part of the story in the way only a deeply loved companion can. His presence shows up in small ways throughout the site and the books — not as a gimmick, but as a quiet acknowledgment of the life that surrounded this work.
I’ve always had a deep love for photography. The bug photo on this site is one of my favorites — a tiny moment caught in perfect detail, the kind of thing most people never notice. Photography slows me down and lets me appreciate the small, intricate pieces of the world that make life interesting. When I’m not writing or taking photos, I’m usually listening to my massive, eclectic music library. It’s a mix of everything: classic rock, ambient, jazz, obscure deep‑cut tracks, and things I’ve collected over decades. Music has always been a constant for me, something that fills the room and keeps me company while I work.
If you’re here, you’re probably someone who wants to understand your technology instead of fighting with it. You’re in the right place. The Compendium series is built for readers who appreciate depth, clarity, and a touch of personality woven into the technical world.
Welcome to my corner of the internet. I’m glad you’re here.
Leave a comment