This book is an introduction to programming the Java Foundation Classes (JFC), the new Java user interface framework that supersedes the Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) in the later Java Development Kit (JDK) versions.

Each chapter of the book discusses one part of the JFC and gives small example programs that demon-strate each feature. The explanations are clear and readable, though very occasionally bordering on the trivial. There are also two slightly larger applications that show the use of the features in combination.

The CD contains the source code for all the example programs, as well as some additional programs that are not featured in the book. Laudably, the authors have revised and adjusted the examples on the CD to keep up to date with recent changes in Swing. Amendments and changes to the text and JFC documentation can also be found on the CD. In addition, the CD contains the JDK and JFC libraries, as well as a shareware tool for dealing with animated GIFs. The authors have also set up a web site for errata and further updates, although this was still almost empty when I checked. Still, this shows a strong commitment to quality by the authors and is in tune with the general high quality of the book.

The book is priced at£32.50, which is still a bit high for what it is. Still, it's a major improvement on the usual one to one Sterling for US Dollar exchange rate! Another small quibble is that the book contains perhaps a little bit too much source code - but that is a matter of taste. The relevant parts of the source code are always highlighted so that the reader can focus on the new feature being introduced.

In summary, if you are looking for a good, comprehensive introduction to JFC programming and are willing to pay the price, this book is probably a good suggestion.