3D Books

This book has excellent tutorials, but hardcore programmers looking for more of a reference type book are best off skipping right to Paul Catanese's "Director's Third Dimension".

This is a good introductory and intermediate book on Director 3D.
But I find it disappointing that no discussion on collision detection is given, although it has example movies on terrain following. So, 4 stars.

I write reviews of graphic software and, on occasion, books. Before deciding to review this book, I looked at two or three others that were available at my local book stores on Macromedia 8.5. This was the only one that impressed me. In many ways, this book by Phil and Mike Gross pick up where Phil Gross's Director 8 and Lingo Authorized left off. This book is a training course which will guide the reader into the major areas of 3D programming. While this might sound daunting, it isn't because the lessons are step by step guides. The authors state in their introduction that the first four chapters are intended for 3D designers who want to bring their 3D creations to the web while the remainder of the chapters are for seasoned Director users who want to take advantage of the 3D features of Director 8.5. Even if I did not intend to use the properties of Director 8.5's 3D module extensively, these first lessons would get me started in an orderly and logical fashion because they highlight the basic information necessary to build upon should I desire to go further while giving me clear instruction on how to use basic 3D in a Director movie.

Many small points are added that help tremendously in learning and manipulating the program. I like the way the authors have designated "additional" information as Tips and Notes. This book does not teach a basic course in Director. That is not its intent. For that, the earlier book by Phil Gross, referred to above, is an excellent source of knowledge.

This book is very clearly written and logically moves the reader forward step by step. Whether the reader is advanced in the 3D world or a novice, this book describes using 3D tools in Director 8.5. The book shows how one can get heavily involved in the Lingo language and create complex 3D animations or just use basic techniques and create simpler ones.

This is a must have if you are using Macromedia Director 8.5. Shockwave Studio.

Paula Sanders ...

The book was quite oversimplified in its explanations, thus it never really allowed you to learn much of use.

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Master RED HAT Visually

...Reviewers Comments:

First of all let me say, this is a fat book. 560 pages and 1200 screen shots should tell you something. The book also includes two CD ROM's with RedHat Linux, rpm's (to get you started fast), and documentation.

This book is primarily suitable for novice Linux users, who will find they can get up to speed very fast with this text. If you are visually oriented, this book is what you want. The screen snap shots allow you to pick things up amazingly fast. His examples will lead you step by step through just about everything you might want or need to know.

I liked the sections on Apache (a free web server) and GNOME in particular. Both of these applications are free like Red Hat Linux. Apache is considered to be the worlds premier web server--it is yours now. If you are considering a job in the computer industry--Linux (Unix) and Apache will take you a long way.

So although the book is big, I found it a fast read. The author leads you visually, with screen shots, through lots of common tasks that you need to know. I can't imagine a faster way to pick up this material. the graphics make it all much more interesting. I found I read and retained more this way. It was a lot more fun. Good job Micheal!

Michael Bellomo is one of my favorite computer book authors. If you read just one of his books you won't hesitate to buy another book by him. Bellomo keeps things simple. I think he must either have taken great notes as he went about learning this material, or else he has a natural flare for understanding what people want to know.

This book, Master RED HAT Visually, typifies that. I remember the first time I dug into Linux. Things that are relatively simple in MS Windows are more challenging in Linux. Like how do you stop a program that will not respond to a kill command? That can and will drive you nuts.

I had lots of trouble, especially with the graphical user interface (GUI). I had a program lock up on me and I had to reboot to get it working again (OK, so I didn't know what else to do at the time!) The point is you won't make mistakes like this if you read this book!

This book is a cheap investment in your sanity. Bellomo will help you avoid such pitfalls and speed you on your way to the path of Linux enlightenment.

Finally, there are many GUI's for Linux. I recommend you pick of the big ones like this one, GNOME, and stick with it until you know everything about it.

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Conrad Senior

I bought this book because I was new to Red Hat and I am very glad that I finally received it. It is a well-written book that covers all the basics plus many essential advanced topics. It could have a little more coverage of the GnoRPM program, but that is OK. I definitely would be in a pickle without this book! If you need to know linux and benefit from visual aids, this is your "must-have" book.

This book is a very good introductory manual to 3D mobile game development,
with a clear explanation on basilary concepts. It provides a summary on basic
3D mathematical concepts. This is excellent to refresh this topic but not for
learning but, on the other hand, it is not the aim of the book.

The 3D examples have been made with 3DStudio and LightWave but not with Maya
which would have been appreciated considering its use in real world 3D
applications.

The chapter on distribution of the game on the market is really interesting. It
provides practical examples on possible distribution channels on the market.
For instance, the creation of a paypal-enabled web page created to distribute
and sell the mobile game on the market has been really appreciated.

Unfortunately, the porting of the game on the various target devices has been
discussed with superficiality, without any detail, too much generic with very
little usefulness.

It would have been nice to see some screenshots of the implemented games as
examples in the book, just to have a general idea on the final game appeal.

Overall, I highly recommend this book since I effectively learned the basic on
3D mobile game programming.

This book is really very well written and the only one I know on the market of its kind. It's great if you are moving from 2D to 3D J2ME games. I gave it 4, instead of 5, stars firstly, because all the art work is done for Maya, Lightwave, or 3DS. These are very expensive modelling tools. The authors could have used an excellent alternative, Blender, which is just as powerful but free. Secondly, the authors use NetBeans. A better choice might have been Eclipse with the EclipseME plug-in since I believe the Eclipse community is bigger and perhaps more resourceful. Thirdly, there are a number of small errors in the book, particularly in Chapter 7. Finally, speaking of Ch 7, the book is rough going with the math. It's almost as if the authors were afraid to go into more detail knowing many people might be turned off by 3D math. But this seems to me just the place to slow down rather than breeze through the subject. For instance, they don't explain how or why matrix inversion is used nor how it can fail. Then, they go through all this math and don't give example code or even a snippet, of how to use it, for instance, the Transform class. That's too bad. They had this tiger (called 3D math) by the tail and let it go. Actually, to cover more of the math and details of mobile 3D I would recommend Hofele, C., "Mobile 3D Graphics", as a companion text. Hofele is also very good although the focus is less on mobile games than mobile 3D.

Very easy to read and a great way to get started in developing 3d games. Unlike alot of other j2me game developer books it is specific for games and not so much J2ME itself, it provides a create resource for the whole process from developing the game to creating the models.

Recommend to anyone interested in getting started for J2ME 3d game development.

Will be looking forward to your next book.

I purchased this book primarily for OpenGL on mobile devices. I needed something more specific to Apple's iPhone SDK, however I am glad I went with this more generic book instead. OpenGL is a complex standard and has a long history. After reading this book I understand better what are the various forces at play in the evolution of the standard, the various layers of the system and how they play between themselves. A big relief is that you do not have to understand all of the standard and certainly not use it all. The down side is that you need lots of information to be able to zoom into the specific APIs that make sense for your application.

So while this book is not a theoretical book expect to have to invest some days in it before you start to get some value. This is a reflection of the complexity of the subject treated. I recommend this book if you are interested by OpenGL (or the java equivalent) in the mobile space.

This book is a must-have for anyone planning to develop interactive 3D graphics applications on mobile devices. The authors are known experts in the field and greatly contributed to the OpenGL ES and M3G standards. Overall, I think the book is a very valuable reference for 3D graphics practitioners who want to get a start on implementing applications for mobile devices. At the same time the book is also well-suited as a text-book accompanying a course on mobile graphics.

The book comprises of three parts. Part I explains general 3D graphics concepts with attention to the specifics of mobile devices. It begins with a general introduction to mobile device technology. After a chapter on important mathematical concepts for 3D graphics, the low-level concepts of a 3D graphics engine like OpenGL ES are explained (what are fragment and vertex operations, how does lighting work, what is texturing etc.). The two subsequent chapters explain high-level concepts for animation (e.g key-frame interpolation, skinning) as well as scene management (e.g. scene graphs). Here the focus lies on concepts supported by M3G. The last chapter in part I is an excellent intro to performance and scalability issues on mobile devices. It gives practical hints on how to identify performance bottlenecks, how to write compact code, and how to make your application scale to a range of devices.

Part II of the book addresses the low-level mobile 3D graphics API OpenGL ES. It is not a tutorial-like intro to OpenGL ES which would augment a program step-by-step with new features and talk the reader through it. It is rather an excellent reference which explains how all raster-engine concepts introduced in part I can be practically interfaced (OpenGL ES function names and choice of parameters etc.). Also, the authors explain in detail what the differences to OpenGL are and why these differences exist. Again, it comes in very handy that the authors point out potential performance and memory issues and give hints on how to handle them.

Part III of the book focuses on M3G. After a general explanation of M3G features, as well as specifics due to limitations of Java on mobile devices, the book first explains the basic class structure. Thereafter, it illustrates how to interface OpenGL ES concepts with M3G. Subsequently, a detailed explanation of the M3G
scene graph is given (what types of nodes exist, how to do picking etc.). Finally, one chapter is dedicated to the support of basic animation concepts (key-framing, deforming meshes, skinned characters). Overall, part III contains more practical code examples - which makes a lot of sense, since in practice the majority of
developers may want to use M3G as it tremendously simplifies cross-platform development.

In general, I think the book is an excellent introduction to mobile 3D graphics that has a decent mix between explanation of general concepts and actual APIs. What I particularly like is the frequent pointing out of performance issues that developers must be aware of when working on mobile devices. When developing in this domain, one definitely needs to know about limitations imposed by the restricted computational and memory resources. Also one needs to know how the implementation may even influence power consumption. All of this is treated in great detail.

The only minor downside is that the book does not cover OpenGL ES 2.0 and any fragment or vertex shader programming. There are, however, other books which focus solely on shader development.

To summarize, this book is an excellent introduction and reference to mobile 3D graphics that everyone working in the field should own.

The book is well written and is quite informative. It has an obligation to be because the authors pretty much created OpenGL ES or helped shape the specs.

Everything you would expect from this book is there... from the basic math to the implementation details, and tips on how to design a game/graphics engine. It is a valuable, digestible book on Mobile 3D.

However it does have a negative point, that is: very little coverage of shaders and OpenGL ES 2.0. By 2010 i doubt there will be a fixed function engine being developed, so i am hopeful for a 2nd edition that updates the API to 2.0.

If ES 2.0 is what you are looking for, there is an OpenGl ES 2.0 book coming out in August 08, so learn this book and then move on to that book. Though the problem with shader based engines is that they are destructive (as in break backwards compatibility with fixed function APIs like ES 1.*)

Bottom line: If you are into mobile 3D graphics this is a must have book. Be you a C++ or a Java programmer.

Ariel starts with a good background on mysticism, the importance of individual experience and the uniqueness of Jewish mystics. He starts the history of mysticism with Ezekiel, and includes both German Hasidism and Safed on the Galilee. His inclusion of interpreted text from Zohar was revealing as well as Lekha Dodi, and I would have liked more such passages.

On "The Character of Jewish Mysticism" he states "Before there is mysticism, there is religion". But another view is that the individual experience does not require faith or knowledge. Being a book, perhaps he also does not emphasize the Oral tradition enough. The discussion on Sefirot, and "calculus" of the divine world, was difficult, but that difficulty may have been mine; with concepts of emanation as "self-contraction" or "man is conceived as a structure parallel to and analogous with the Sefirot". Ariel also continues with the metaphor of the "human soul upward toward the heavens", but Rabbi Albert Green has presented a metaphor of Jewish mysticism as inward. I appreciated the references to Isaac Bashevis Singer, and will read some of his works. Since the writing of this book (1988) there has been a more popular appeal, and I have heard that Jewish mysticism is now taught in rabbinical school.

This is one of the better introductions to Jewish mysticism on the market today. Although written in an academic style (plenty of citations, footnotes, etc.) it is still spirit-filled and inspiring. Unlike the overly-ponderous works of Gershom Scholem, this is a book that the average person with a college-level reading ability can pick up and understand.

The author, David Ariel, is (or was at the time this was published) President of the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies, and, I would assume, produced this book to fill a gap in the usual (i.e., heavily Christian/gentile) college philosophy curriculum. By doing so, he has no doubt educated quite a few professors as well as their students in the beauty and complexities of various forms of Jewish mysticism.

Ariel begins with the question "What is mysticism?" and a discussion of some non-Jewish writers on mystical topics, such a William James, Sigmund Freud, Aldous Huxley, Evelyn Underhill, etc. -- names whose works are generally more familiar to philosophy students than those of the Jewish mystics. He then goes on to present the basic concepts of Jewish mysticism (kabbalah) chapter by chapter, drawing on commentaries, Zohar, classical anecdotes from Jewish tradition, excerpts from the synagogue liturgy, etc.

One of the best features of this book is Ariel's gift for translating "archaic" symbols into modern language. On pp. 98-99, for example, he give a glossary of kabbalistic symbols and terms, then challenges the reader to use them to decipher a cryptic passage from the Zohar -- which becomes quite clear, once you understand the "code." He does an equally nice job with "Lecha Dodi," a Sabbath hymn that every Jewish congregation sings on Friday evening, but whose deeper kabbalistic meanings are seldom understood. His original translations of source materials are also excellent, making this a very accessible book without "talking down" to the reader. Highly recommended.

I'm currently reading this book along with many others related to mysticism. This is an excellent and clearly presented introduction to Jewish mysticism. The chapter titles are as follows: 1) Seekers of Unity: The Nature of Mysticism 2) Bridging the Abyss: The History of Jewish Mysticism 3) Living with the Abyss: The Character of Jewish Mysticism 4) The Hidden and the Revealed: The Principles of Jewish Mysticism 5) The Calculus of the Divine World: The Teaching of the Sefirot 6) The Shekhinah: The Feminine Aspect of God 7) Language and Being: The Torah as God's Emanation 8) The Oneness of Being: The Destiny of the Soul 9) The Mystic Drama: The Religious Life of the Jewish Mystic 10) Uplifting the Sparks: Modern Jewish Mysticism 11) Jewish Mysticism and the Mystic Quest

For those interested in Christian Mysticism, check out the multi-volume "The Presence of God" series by Bernard McGinn, esp. the first volume "The Foundations of Mysticism." - Brad Clark

I have to agree with the previous reviewer in the amount of material covered but for the price that I paid I would have liked the screens to be in Poser 7 and not in Poser 6. It also seems that the cartoon figures were dropped from Poser 7 but had several minutes within these tutorials. If this was really Poser 7 than why not show Poser 7 items.

This is a great dvd for getting the hang of Poser 7 for those who are new like me.
I also have the books for Poser 7 but I do better with a hands on type of learning, but with both you can learn from the dvd and later you can read up on anything from the books that you have a question on. Plus it comes with a 2nd dvd with execercise files on it.

All in all it's a great investment for those who are serious about Poser and how it can you can use the knowledge from this dvd to express yourself as an artist...... graphics, illustrator, or even photography can be incorporated into poser.

I know that nothing is perfect, but this training content is so far the best. It covers most of the items/topics used in Poser. He uses many examples, and it is easy to understand. The price might be a little bit high, but I would rather pay for something that I want to learn. Highly recommended.

This is a very good book if you are just starting out. If you don't want to read alot and want to get started fast it's perfect. If you are a intermediate user, stay a away from this book it's not for you. Try Master Windows 95 Visual a much better book, if your an interediate user or higher.

This book is fantastic for people that don't know anything about Windows 95. If you don't want to read that much and need the basic fast get this book. But if you are and intermediate user this book is not for you!!!

I provide private computer lessons, and I have found the Visual Series including Teach Yourself Win 95 and Win 98 among some of the best learning tools I've found. Many of us simply learn better when we can see pictures to aid us in understanding what the text is saying. My students (ages teen to 90) have all loved these books and recommended them to friends.

This was an excellent book. The book is in excellent condition and delivery time was good. This is a must have for new or old users.


Thanks

It is a very good and simple book for new commers in the computer field.

This book actually walks you through the functions of Word 97. Everything is laid out in full color, and is very easy to understand. It's better than the "...for Dummies" series because the full color screen shots make the applications a snap to understand. Great book for beginners!

I purchased this item used from Joe Keane of New York for a friend. She received it in a timely manner and said it was in very good, like new condition. Thanks Joe and Amazon. Phyllis Johnson

The perfect "help book" for those who are not computer technicians! Every page is in FULL COLOR and is set up for a 3-D VISUAL approach to learning. It is the winner of the Eleventh Annual Computer Press Awards and an international best seller!

I purchased it for my workplace (in a hospital). My co-workers and I use it very often!

"Windows '95 Simplified" provides screen shots, and clear markings, detailing every step necessary to accomplish certain tasks. "Windows '95 Simplified" will take you from beginner to intermediate because it goes into more depth than the usual "this is a mouse, this is a window" type book.

Using what's built into Windows '95 you'll learn the basics, how to use Wordpad, Windows Paint, copy/arrange/rename/etc files and folders, fax and e-mail with Microsoft Exchange, format a disk, and a couple other tasks.

Bob Raczka writes terrific books about art for children. His excellent Here's Looking at Me: How Artists See Themselves should be in every art teacher's collection. In 3-D he explores sculpture. Using an ABC book format, he presents a wide range of concepts and media.

His subjects are well chosen to engage young imaginations. Each work is presented with full attribution which includes the title, the artist, the date and the location of the piece. A page at the back gives full credit for the photography in the book too. The importance of properly citing resources and giving credit to the work of others should be and must be continually emphasized to students.

Everything works in this book from the clear typography to the clean layout. The art is beautifully photographed and tagged with a letter of the alphabet.

Concert for Anarchy by Rebecca Horn at the Tate Gallery in London is an inverted grand piano, hanging in midair with the keys spilling downward. It illustrates "U is for Upside Down."

"A sculpture can make you look at things differently,"

My favorite piece in the book is Spoonbridge & Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen at the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN which is also the cover image. It is tagged with "S is for Spoon"

"A Sculpture can make you Smile"

This books will certainly make you smile and think about sculpture in a whole new way.
It was also nominated for the Cybil Non-fiction Picture Book award.

Bob Raczka's 3-D Sculptural Alphabet is an attention-getter with its cover featuring the Claes Oldenburg "Spoonbridge & Cherry" on the grounds of the famed Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. It's fun to be there when a school group visits, and listen to their comments and 'flights of imagination'.

Inside this delightful book the bright 'spoon' assemblage is faced with "table with pink tablecloth." Aren't you surprised that Formica is part of that piece of art (owned by Chicago's Art Institute)? Sculpture in public places increases the possibility of enrichment from art for all of us. During the last few decades we have seen fewer generals on horseback and more imaginative & abstract subjects decorating city plazas.

Reviewer mcHaiku rather envies Bob Raczka, seeing him as an author who can make children laugh, and also inspire their recognition of art in everyday surroundings - and he accomplishes this without the task of writing very many words! In fact, he must greatly enjoy seeing the books created from his own favorite choices of art works. These, in various sculptural forms may be some that children don't often see in books, or on classroom walls. Some artists like Picasso share several different kinds of art; others may practice one form of creativity. How fortunate we are, how wealthy to have our lives enriched by this series and other books 'aimed' at children.

Living in an under-populated rural county is not all bad. Ours is the buckle on an "art belt" - with Columbus & Bloomington, Indiana, on either side, and having fine sculptures by these artists to discover: Jean Paul Darrieu, Jerald Jacquard, Henry Moore, I. M. Pei, Jean Tinguely, some featured in Bob Raczka's book. There are three large outdoor pieces by Jacquard on a hillside just down the road from us. A feeling of exhilaration and creative urge is bound to invade the blood stream by such proximity.