# BIBLIOGRAPHY compiled by John Waters
For the theoretical background to the VSM and for an account of Beer's work in Chile, refer to:
• Brain of the Firm 2/e Stafford Beer (John Wiley, 1981) A largely neurocybernetic development of the VSM and (introduced in the 2nd edition) an account of Beer's work in Chile. The VSM is further developed, from a different perspective and with refinement/standardization of the terminology and diagrammatic conventions, in:
• The Heart of Enterprise Stafford Beer (John Wiley, 1979) A companion volume to "Brain of the Firm" which develops the VSM from logical and set-theoretical principles.
• Diagnosing the System for Organizations Stafford Beer (John Wiley, 1985) A guide (aimed at managers) to applying the VSM.
• The Viable Systems Model: Interpretations and Applications of Stafford Beer's VSM ed Raul Espejo and Roger Harnden (John Wiley, 1989) A diverse collection of papers dealing with many different aspects of the VSM and the foundations on which it is built. Case studies, critical reinterpretations, alternative perspectives. Further useful and illuminating material can be found in the following:
• Platform for Change Stafford Beer (John Wiley, 1975) A book which, while not explicitly mentioning the Viable System Model, deals with many issues fundamental to the continuing viability of human systems.
• Designing Freedom Stafford Beer (John Wiley, 1974) A series of six lectures, originally broadcast on Canadian radio, briefly covering some of the same ground as "Platform for Change".
• Decision and Control Stafford Beer (John Wiley, 1966) A cybernetic treatment of Operations Research.
• An Introduction to Cybernetics W. Ross Ashby (Chapman and Hall, 1956) A thorough and accessible introduction to many aspects of the theoretical foundations upon which the VSM was built. In particular this book introduces, develops and justifies the Law of Requisite Variety. It is now available in PDF format from the link above.
• Design for a Brain 2/e W. Ross Ashby (Chapman and Hall, 1960) This book illustrates a number of very important concepts, including homeostasis and ultrastability.