The authors claim that the third edition of C++ How to Program is suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers. They justify it by providing a complete course in C++, in-depth explanations of C++ features and by insisting on teaching good programming practice--all delivered in a remarkably clear and readable style.

Nevertheless, your first impression will be of an impenetrable forest of dense text starting with an intimidatingly long discussion of the aims of the book and the origins of object-oriented programming in the preface. Fortunately, once past this you arrive at a well-structured text which starts as it goes on. A simple "Welcome to C++" program is presented which is then examined line by line. The same program is then implemented in a variety of ways to demonstrate the flexibility of the language. Among all this you will find many Good Programming Practice tips and rather fewer Common Progamming Errors with, later on, Testing And Debugging Tips--among other asides. It all makes for a lively and interesting read.

The book comes with Microsoft's Visual C++ 6 Introductory Edition on CD along with the hundreds of example programs. However, the text addresses ANSI/ISO C++ with no specific VC++IE coverage.

Combining a practical, stylish approach with a good theoretical basis for OOP, the use of UML for large program design and the many practical projects this has to be the most useful book available for anyone interested in C++. --Steve Patient