Java Book

Which book gives the most complete knowledge of core Java in the most systematic way?
I mean i have read few books but found them to be lacking in one aspect or the other!!!
I want a book which looks into the depths of java alongside giving us different pitfalls faced by novice java programmers.

Thanks
Jitendra
(SCJP1.5)

Which books have you read, and in which aspects have you found them to be lacking? A book that covers both the depth and the width of Java would be a very thick book indeed - probably not possible, or at least not practical.

I have read Herb Schildt(Complete Reference), Wrox Publication's java5 by Horton
and K&B for cert(scjp)
I understand that the book providing complete java understanding would be quite thick
but i would like a book which comes nearest to the task
The books i read were written with a specific task(teaching java to beginners)
Now i want a book which can help with my quest at becoming a good programmer...

Thanks
Jitendra(SCJP1.5)

Probably a good idea to go onto Amazon and read the sample chapters first, then see how you like the style of each book. Some I think would be suitable:

Thinking in Java, Bruce Eckel. 3rd edition available free online, 4th edition available, paid for.

Core Java 2, C Horstmann and G Cornell. There is a 7th edition now available.

Effective Java, Joshua Bloch. There is supposed to be a new edition available within a few days.

Opininons of books vary; one person will like one book, somebody else another.

Originally posted by Campbell Ritchie:
Opininons of books vary; one person will like one book, somebody else another.

I agree.
Thanks a lot.i will certainly check the books you have suggested.

Also, your fellow JavaRanchers have written reviews of many Java books which can be found in the Bunkhouse.
[ May 26, 2008: Message edited by: Ulf Dittmer ]