Beginning Java

Rating:
Summary: Not for beginners
Review: Beginning Java is definitely not for beginners. Although I had programming experience I was unable to follow the book after chapter 7. I didn't like the structure of the book and the fact that the writer starts writing an example and enhancing it in every chapter instead of having many small examples. Also, there were few examples on applets. If you want to save 40 dollars don't buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Batteries included!
Review: Everything you need to learn about Java. I have read and resourced about 10-15 books on this subject and this is best. Excellent examples, perfect for the beginner but also detailed so YOU WILL know EVERYTHING. ZiffNet (publishers of PC Week, PC Magazine etc..) offers a course based on this book. Check out http://www.zdu.com for more information. An online vesion is also available at ZDU. IMHO the online version should be included free.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Starter Book OR Reference
Review: This 1,000 page plus book is perfect for the beginner, and does have enough depth to please most intermediate Java programmers. Typically books this size lose something half way through. Not this one! After reading this book, you are more than prepared to write apps and applets of more than just your "Hello, world!" variety. Not too many typos, and excellent examples. All the source code is available from WROX's home page. No CD. But I think that helps keep the cost down. Wonderful buy. A can't miss purchase...

Rating:
Summary: Beginning Java
Review: Good book, a must read! Reviewer: A reader from San Francisco, CA November 10, 1998 Love the book. It explain (almost) everything clearly. There isn't enough discussion on applet though. The chapter on Input/output and JDBC is particularly helpful.