I have that book and think its awesome. I dont think its a good book for beginners, I found it a bit confusing in some parts and left you to find your own buttons and how to do what they asummed you know how to do (ie..Bolleans, tells you to group them, after selecting 2 or more objects?? How do you select 2 or more objects?.. I found it but they could have told me.. page 276 or somewhere near there). I feel a much better book for beginners is Bryce F/X and Design by R. Shamms Mortier (ibn 1576104826) , it is based more on projects then just info. For me projects are easier to learn from then just a bunch of info. Both book are great in there own right, but for learning the one I mentioned helped me out the most when I was just starting. Hope that helps you also.