Rating: 

The general layout of this book allows for very easy reading, so all concentration can be on the job at hand rather than understanding the authors meaning on a subject. Also, topics are introduced when first needed, but may not e fully explained until a later chapter. This gived the reader a chance to see the basics of a class or method, without being bogged down by the complexities of it until it is required.

On the whole, a very well though out book, with most everything a new or intermediate Java programmer needs. Although a small amount of experience is useful in other languages such as C and C++ are useful, an overview of the basics of any programming language, down to MS-DOS Batch or Unix shell scripts is enough. A definite must for anyone setting out or wanting to learn more.