This unusual hybrid nature makes the book appealing to both novice and advanced programmers, and provides readers with a good overall feel for Java at several levels.

My diagrams are included with the book, and the CD-ROM has the 1.0.2 release of the JDK, about 100 MB of additional documentation and tutorial material on Java (quite worthwhile, especially for those with slow Net links), and several applets from Net programmers, as well as the example code from the book, of course. Do not buy the hardcover of the book! Wait for the new 1.1 version (out in May) or buy the 4th printing of the softcover book---look for a "Covers 1.0" star on the front cover--- it corrects all production glitches and is fully "1.0 compliant."

In software stores like Egghead, a "Java Starter Kit" is available containing the 1.0.2 JDK, various Java development environments, as well as a copy of the book. There are also special versions of the book for Cafe, Workshop, the Mac, etc. A Web developer's kit includes an electronic copy of the book as well. I don't know the price any of these; check your local software store or the Macmillan Bookstore.