We've spent years in R&D mode working on the data model, the query language, APIs and architecture to make sure that everything clicks together to create one vertically integrated, cohesive, and language agnostic solution. Everything in EdgeDB is optimized for DX (while not sacrificing perf or type safety), and as far as I know there's no other database company out there which does what we do. So fingers crossed, our attempt at evolving relational databases will be successful.
I'm not intimately familiar with that particular piece of history, unfortunately (I'll read more about it for sure). There were many examples in the past of great tech (like smalltalk or network dbs) that didn't exactly succeed for many reasons, sometimes because it was created way ahead of its time. We build EdgeDB to address today's needs: nested hierarchical queries, integrated schema migrations, performance, high quality language drivers etc. There is some intersection with what was done in the past for sure, but if you're interested in databases I encourage you to take a look at our website, the blog, and the docs. I'm sure you'll find new things.