3ds max 4 has much to offer, and learning to use all of its features can be a daunting task. Inside 3ds max 4 describes in detail all of the new features as well as existing ones, making this book a powerful ally for the new and old Max user.

Out of nearly 900 pages, the first 150 are dedicated to describing what's new in the interface, modelling, materials, animation and rendering. These sections are designed to bring the experienced 3-D Studio Max v3.x user up to speed on what's new in version 4.

The remaining seven parts are project-oriented tutorials designed to teach new and old users how to make the most of 3ds max 4. Beginning with an introduction to project workflow and progressing through modelling, rigging, materials and texture mapping, animation, lighting and rendering, there is practically no feature of 3ds max 4 that isn't covered.

The author writes in a clear, confident style, and each chapter is well illustrated with screenshots and sidebars. Though it unfortunately doesn't come with a spiral binding, this is arguably one of the best books available for learning and using Max 4, and as such it is likely never to be relegated to the bookshelf. --Mike Caputo