Learning Java by Patrick Niemeyer, Jonathan Knudsen (O'Reilly & Associates Inc.)

A very good book for learning the basics of the Java language. The biggest problem I had was with the suggested audience; the target audience should more appropriately be for programmers coming from a C or C++ background. The authors suggest you be familiar with the basic C syntax, but the frequent references in the text to C and C++ make it more of a requirement then an option.
The book covers a wide range of topics and gives an excellent (if brief) introduction to almost all aspects of Java programming. For those looking for a good introduction to the language this is an excellent choice. Individuals looking for more detailed coverage of fewer topics should look elsewhere.
One of the best things about this book for experienced programmers is the fact that it does accept that you know loops and other control structures and does not spend any more time on them other than necessary to point out differences between Java and C/C++. This is a relief from those books that beat the subject to death for 3 chapters even when their target audience is experienced programmers.
This book is an excellent introduction to the language for someone interested in finding out what Java has to offer as a programming language. The topics are written clearly and there are plenty of small, easily understood code samples throughout the text. The authors� style is clear and not too technical, overall it makes for an easily understood and comprehensible book.
(Dave Vick, Bartender November 2001)
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