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Title: Proof that Programmers can't write
Review: I used this book for a Java course. Although the book covers all aspects of Java in great detail, it was one of the most poorly written computer books I've ever read (and I've been a programmer for 20 years). In Eckel's description of applets and the AWT, not one picture or illustration was shown. In addition, he uses large blocks of code to show an example of the use of certain Java features, which often means you have to read two pages of code listings to get to the example. In addition, he refers to features of Java in some chapters that he hasn't discussed, and tells you it will be covered later. As a final point, he keeps telling you to read the API documentation for more detail. If you have to read the API for more information, what's the point in reading his book! Do yourself a favor and get another Java book; you'll be glad you did.
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