With over 15 years of programming experience and no experience with Java, I found this book difficult to follow. I normally like to dig right in with numerous examples so I can test what I have learned. This book has few meaningful examples and when they do exist, the author uses concepts which have not been covered yet. Confusing! After reading half the book I am now searching for a more beginner book.

This book is a very good text which explains concepts like object oriented programming in java, basic concents on java, working with real world applications and much more.
Written by Peter Norton in his unique style it is a good guide & text for beginners and intermediate level.
Explains user interface design, file IO, awt and much more.

USEFUL AS TEXT BOOK. -niteen.

I highly recommend this book! Recently, the firm I work at decided to shift headlong into Java development. With the introduction of the NC and the NetPC, there's an entire market that is virtually untapped for business applets and applications. This book was the only book I found that answered all my questions pertaining to Java applets AND Java applications. In most other books, the discussion about Java applications gets lost. Not so in this book. Another area of Java programming that is very important is advanced programming issues. This book leads you through intermediate and advanced Java programming; all done by example, which is terrific. With this book, I was finally able to get beyond the basics and leave the land of Hello World! If you buy no other Java book, buy this one. If you already have a Java book, buy this one anyway and put it within easy reach. You will use it regularly

I just finished this book yesterday and I must say that it's going on my top ten favorite books list.
I picked up Strong Motion because I'd heard about Jonathan Franzen through some fans of David Foster Wallace. I was not dissapointed. I'll skip the plot synopsis, since I've noticed that it has been done already, but I'll tell you what I loved about the book.
Scenery. The book is set in Massachusetts -- mostly in Boston and its surrounding areas. I grew up just south of Boston, so the territory was familiar to me. Franzen really made me feel like I was back in that city, walking its streets, taking the train around. Many authors can write about being in the city, but few can really capture the feeling of a specific city like Franzen does for Boston. I really like that.
Characters. Franzen creates some of the most memorable character I've ever read. Not for their quirkiness (a la Dickens) but more in the way that it is easy to see yourself in them. In Strong Motion, I was able to see some of my own qualities in both Louis and Rene and it gives the book a kind of intimacy.
Details. There is a lot of detail in Strong Motion. I learned a lot about earthquakes and chemicals while reading the book. Franzen's skill, however, is integrating the technical details with the storyline, making the two fit together seamlessly. I never thought "ok, here we go with more technical stuff...".
I really loved this book and I'd suggest it to anyone who enjoyed Franzen's The Corrections (which I also loved) or even David Foster Wallace, Don Delillo or Paula Fox. I found myself very involved in the story (which hits on abortions, earthquakes, sex, love, family, religious zeal and more). Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Jonathan Franzen's STRONG MOTION is one of the most original books I've read in years.
At its most basic level, STRONG MOTION is the love story of Louis Holland and a brilliant seismologist, Renee Seitchek and of strange happenings in Boston.
Ambitious, imaginative and quirky, Franzen successfully weaves moral, social and environmental issues into a complex, wry, intriguing and often humorous story about family and love.
STRONG MOTION along with the excellent reviews Franzen has received for his latest book THE CORRECTIONS (the current Oprah pick), should make Jonathan Franzen recognizable as an original voice for the decade.

I picked up Strong Motion after enjoying Franzen's The Corrections. The story lines in this novel are more complexly layered than those in The Corrections, but also more tightly organized. Most notably, in stark contrast to The Corrections, Franzen does not send us off to the Baltics to experience needless side stories. Every overlapping and interwoven piece of text is important to the rest of the novel.

Brief decriptions of the plot do not do the book justice, because they come off as unbelievable, even gimmicky. While Franzen does take bold risks with this story and his characters, this novel is so well crafted that I did not even pause to consider whether a particular plot twist was plausible. Like all good fiction, the unreal becomes real as the story unfolds.

With rich, conflicted characters and smart, penetrating observations of American society, Franzen's Strong Motion is a master work. It is easy to see why there was such a buzz around the release of The Corrections: Franzen is one of the best contemporary American literary fiction has to offer.

The Blindflod was a very beautifully descriptive and passionate account of what it is like to be a young woman, a poor grad student, a newcomer to New York, and a migrane sufferer. If these are themes that interest you the book will be a pleasure to read. I read it straight through in one day, I was so entranced. Hustvedt has a knack for making the mundane appear incredibly bizarre, and the oddities of life appear normal in some way. The only thing I found a little disorienting is the order of the different chapters. Why are the readers left struggling with chronolgy? It is like a novel that begins in the middle of the story, or perhaps more like short stories woven together in the hope to form the full breadth of the novel form. One of the most memorable aspects of the novel is the exploration of an important, and all-too-overlooked, psychological theme of the secret human love of committing small evil acts.

The Blindfold is really an interesting book. It is interesting that the reader is often unaware of the intentions and situations of Iris Vegan, the main character, who throughout the novel, struggles to find her identity. Iris originally from Webster Minnesota, is a graduate student of literature at Columbia University, she is exposed to a variety of different people, at both Columbia and New York city in general. In the beginning of the novel she finds a job posted on a bulletin board in Philosophy Hall. "Wanted. Research assistant for project already under way. Student of literature preferred. Herbert B. Morning." Herbert B. Morning is a strange man, he wants Iris to orally describe objects that have once belonged to a woman, who is now deceased, into a tape recorder. Iris Vegan lies about her name and becomes Iris Davidsen. "It was a defensive act, a way of protecting myself from some amorphous danger, but later that false name haunted me; it seemed to move me elsewhere, shiftng me off course and strangely altering my whole world for a time. When I think back on it now, I imagine that lie as the beginning of the story, as a kind fo door to my uneasiness" (Page 11) It was that lie that began the identity troubles for Iris. Much later in the novel Iris identifies with and in a strane way becomes Klaus, a character in Der Brutale Junge, a German novella written by Johann Krueger in 1936. It is about a troubled boy, who is overcome by evil intentions. It is very confusing, yet fascinating when Iris becomes Klaus; she does things she does not understand. She even tells a bartender that her name is Klaus. She goes out at night in men's clothes because it makes her feel safer and more secure. The reader must make many assumptions in this novel; much of the novel is left unexplained. However, the reader is greatly enriched by the mood of the novel.

Iris Vagan wanders New York in search of self. Iris first is hired as a writer to react to objects which belonged to a murdered woman. Do we have meaning and identify through our possessions? An identity so strong that it can be perceived even after death. Interesting question. She has a photograph taken and then circulated without her knowledge. She becomes the woman in the photograph. The woman in the photograph has an identity of her own separate from Iris. How many times do we remember someone through a photograph? She translates a book from German to English for a professor. She reenacts the character of the book through dressing in drag and walking the streets of New York. Towards the end of the book she has a wonderful section on perception and reality. Where does the self come from? How do we gain identity in this world of images? What is fact and what is fiction? I found her writing so enchanting that I bought her second book, The Enchantment of Lily Dahl and am working through it. (Iris is Siri spelled backwards for what that is worth)

As part of a group read, I picked up a week late"Evelina" from my local library. I wasn't quite sure whatto expect - certainly this would be no Tom Jones, but it wouldn't be Austen either - however what I found was a pleasant epistolary jaunt through a young girl's first season out. A jaunt, which, although begun a week late was quickly finished two weeks early! Customary to 18th century novels, Evelina's history is somewhat romantic, both her guardian and the hero impossibly good (a refreshing novelty, if a little sappy in places. They were apparently active members in the Mutual Admiration Society), and the secondary characters ridiculously vulgar. As Burney's first novel, the work shows some awkwardness in construction, but is otherwise excellent. Readers of modern romances may find the heros a bit formal, and fans of Jane Austen may find the epistlotary form unbelievable, but both they and lovers of historical fiction would do well to invest in this book, which provides an excellent glance into the end of an era, and one charming heroine's attempt to muddle through it. END

Anyone who loves Jane Austen (and don't we all?) will certainly enjoy Fanny Burney's Evelina. Burney is really a precursor of Austen, but has unfortunately been completely overshadowed by the later novelist. In its time (1778) Evelina was a tremendous hit and shy Fanny Burney a celebrated author overnight. She was invited into the literary circle of Samuel Johnson, became a reluctant lady-in-waiting to Queen Charlotte because of her celebrity and at age 41 married a refugee from the French Revolution, thus becoming Madame D'Arblay (check out her interesting diaries). The subtitle of Evelina (The History of A Young Lady's Entrance into the World) says it all: Evelina is an innocent and naive young girl, who suddenly finds herself in unfamiliar London society, surrounded by suitable and not so suitable suitors and a host of other characters. Lots of misunderstandings and perilous situations block Evelina's road, but don't be surprised to find humour and suspense as well, for the continuing question is of course whether Evelina will survive Society unscathed. Even though the pace of a novel more than 2 centuries old may be a bit slow for some, this is something you get used to soon enough: the novel contains far too much life, fun and social commentary too be dull.

I found Evelina thoroughly enjoyable. Much like a Jane Austen novel in its plot (the heroine faces and overcomes countless difficulties and by doing so matures and moves toward marriage with the hero) Burney's novel has a darker side that Austen doesn't seem to explore. Evelina is often in dire situations in which men make very improper adavances. Because of the manners required of polite young women, she is powerless to extricate herself; yet because she does not extricate herself, her postition as a member of polite society is threatened. The trials and ultimate triumph of Evelina make for a very enjoyable book - one I would strongly recommend.

I thought this book would be a winner but instead I became vaguely dissatisfied with it. When I read the beginning (about Serina and the lives of the human slaves and the elflords as well as the dragons) I couldn't put the book down. However somewhere towards the middle or the end... something went wrong. The plot got dull and uninteresting and moreover, the ending was so quick and abrupt that it didn't fulfill the promise it had shown in the richly detailed and thrilling beginning.

Having a great love of both Elf and Dragon stories this book and its sequel were refreshing and new to me. The details put forth were wonderful and still stick with me today. The small but important points that the authors carried from one book to the other makes this book all the more enjoyable. Do not pass up on the chance to read Elevnbane and its sequal Elvenblood!

Elvenbane was the first book i read by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey. My mother has collected Andre Norton books for years and one day I decided to read Elvenbane. It was during the summer and Elvenbane is the very first book that has had me striving for more. Each time I had to put the book down i would rush through everything else just so I could get back to the book. When the book ended I wanted more and was very glad ^_^ to find out that there was a second book ElvenBlood and I got started on it right away. Now im waiting for the third book to come out. When I was told there was a third book I jumped out demanding to know when! "Elvenborn" I don't think i can wait until April. There is even a book after Elvenborn. Elvenbred. The Characters and events made me laugh, become frustrated, and made every other emotion come through. Just what a good piece of literature is supposed to do and show how great the authors are. So I strongly recommend this book to those wondering if they should read it.

This is agreeably the most popular and complete text for any serious student of music history. It is straightforward, concise, and without unnecessary embelishments other authors may find necessary. This straightforward writing style, I must admit, does not make it the most exciting text available. When I was in undergraduate school, I found that Grout's book was often the most effective cure for insomnia.

This book remains the standard music history reference for graduate and undergraduate students throughout the United States. It does not pretend to represent every branch or trend of musicology, or even begin to touch upon the vast subject of ethno-musicology. It does provide a sound and thorough reference as to the developments of Western "classical" music.

I own used this book, and the anthology and CD's, and used them for my intermediate Music history studies; I still use it as a quick reference or starting point for my current more detailed studies. When I want more detail about a period or specific composers or styles, then there are numurous more detailed books available. I have found it comprehensive in coverage, informative, easy to read and containing enough information without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. I believe there could be more on 20th century composers/techniques, but given the scope of music development for that period, I believe a more dedicated book should be used. I must agree that as a general student text book, it is rather pricey; sadly the CD's are also very useful and NOT cheap either. Still definitely worth buying and keeping as a reference.

Varian has done a great job. He got the balance between the math necessary for serious microeconomics, and the examples and jokes necessary to keep the students reading. Using the dual approach (household and producer behaviour), he introduces the reader into microeconomics at a level which makes it possible to move on to more esoteric books like his own 'Microeconomic Analysis', or 'Microeconomic Theory' by Mas-Colell, Whinston, Green. He manages to cover much more than Mankiw can, which is good and necessary to build a solid basis. Yet the book is accessible to anyone familiar with high school math (differentiation and optimization), and requires no economic prerequisites. He also covers several more advanced topics on a stand-alone basis (like economics of information, or game theory) which on the one hand is very useful, as it gives the reader an idea as to where one can head to, but on the other hand is not satisfying as these chapters are necessarily rather superficial. Apart from that, the book is great to built a rigorous basis for household and producer behaviour, and makes it rather easy to go on to much more advanced literature. The math is hidden in the appendices, so it is necessary for a serious understanding to cover these as well, but I don't see any problem with that. This book is as excellent as an introductory micro book can ever be.

The presentation of the theory is superb - straightforward simple english and to the point, and occassionally laced with humor!!. Many many examples to articulate concepts. The depth of coverage for an intermediate course is clearly sufficient. The book makes very interesting reading. My suggestion to students: read the book with just some basic knowledge of calculus, and a bit of scalar algebra, you will fully agree with all what I said above.

Of course this textbook is not without it's flaws, maybe the major one is it's wordiness and lack of rigor. But if you could stick through it and read most of it then perhaps you could get something out of it. It is quite unfair to say that this book is one of the "worst," "a pain to read," or "dull" It is probably a standard textbook used in most universities at the undergraduate level. The fact that it is widely-used and is on it's sixth edition means that most undergraduate students are comfortable with Varian's approach. I'm in graduate school already but I still refer to it once in a while whenever I forget some concepts. It is aimed at sophomore/junior students who may not have been exposed to multivariable calculus and optimization yet; or who may still have a weak foundation in the mathematical tools required, so maybe that is the reason the author has placed the more rigorous (calculus) treatment in the appendices, as further reading material for students who want to know more. Serious students of economics who would like to pursue postgraduate degrees should realize that there are lots of other reference books out there to satisfy their curiosity and their need for more mathematical rigor. Finally, I would like to say that although the study of economics could have a tendency to be pedantic or just an exercise in mental gymnastics, understanding and applying concepts in neo-classical economics may somehow help us understand how (and why) the world works.

Before you read another of word of this glowing review, know this: I am an unabashed, unambiguous, gushing and adoring Norton-phile - and I always will be. If you're looking for objectivity, you won't find it from this reviewer..."A Cat Abroad" was author Peter Gethers's second installment in his trilogy of Norton-ology. Originally published in 1993, the book chronicled the adventures of a precious Scottish Fold named Norton, whose enchanting and coquettish personality, singular intelligence and other-worldly savvy endeared him to all who knew him - or read about him. Norton was such a brilliant little creature - and such a treasured companion to Gethers - that his stunning physical beauty could have been a mere sideline to his power and magnetism. But it wasn't. Norton was so staggeringly cute and handsome (those ears! those eyes - which look like irridescent half-moons when he looks down! The fur like spun silk!) that he commanded the attention - and deference - of Oscar-winning actors, filmmaking geniuses, hotel managers, restaurant proprietors, best-selling authors (i.e., Gethers), and anyone else who had the pleasure of meeting him. Of course, there was much, much more to Norton than a handsome face and physique, as Gethers lovingly depicts here. Norton guided his owner's professional sphere, love life, and varied friendships with skill and ease - and taught him many lessons in the process. In return, Gethers provided his beloved little companion with the most wonderful life any animal has ever enjoyed. (Get a load of the answer Gethers provides when one Norton fan asks him, "Why won't my cat act like Norton?" Trust me, Gethers was the owner Norton was born to have....) How it warms the heart to read of Norton's intriguing adventures throughout Europe and how he charmed everyone within purring distance with his charisma and stellar comportment! In the first Norton installment (The Cat Who Went to Paris), Gethers describes his first meeting with his new friend - and how he lost his heart in approximately one-tenth of a second. "I don't think he's a normal cat," Gethers was told, in what was probably the understatement of the year. Sadly, however, Norton had one trait in common with the remainder of the feline race - length of life...If you think you know all there is to know about pet loss and grief read this book - as well as "The Cat Who Went to Paris" and "The Cat Who'll Live Forever." Norton has captured a part of my heart as no other animal ever has - and it's a love that endures beyond death.

Anybody that loves cats will love this book! The cat, Norton, is unbelievably smart! Norton goes everywhere with his human, Peter Gethers - to the best restaurants and hotels. The book is also a wonderful diary of their trip to the Provence region of France and nearby areas. The book has a happy ending (I never read books if anything bad happens to the animal). In fact, I believe Norton goes on to write his own book, "Historical Cats".

When I was in Third to Fourth grade I read A Cat Who Went to Paris. I fell in love with a cat named Norton, and a human, who put up with this regal feline's cat-titude. When I went to the bookstore and saw that he had a second book about the small cat, I spent all my christmas money (I was 11 and only had 15$ in my hands) on that book.

I started reading it in the car with the interior light and began again, the adventures of Norton the Cat. From starting at the Superbowl all the way to going home after spending time abroad in Paris. I was yet again hooked. There were touching parts, and some parts which made you want to laugh. In fact the part where Norm and Peter and everyone was piled into the car and stuck in Italian traffic had me rolling for an hour. Even now I get a good chuckle out of it when I read it over again.

I'll never forget the first time I heard that Norton had died. I was at the beauty shop reading People Magazine when I came across that article. I remember tears starting to burn in my eyes and people asking me what was wrong. When I showed them, they blamed it on me being a kid (I was 14). I'll never forget Norton nor Peter for the rest of my life.

This book is based on the original 1818 version of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, but is geared toward the reader who wants a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of this work of fiction and the writings of Mary Shelley, her husband Percy Shelley, Lord Byron and Dr. John William Polidori, Byron's friend. The reader will find abundant annotations which help to explain the context in which it was written. A map is provided which helps to locate many of the settings described in the book. It also includes a section of reactions to various versions that have been published. Twelve contemporary authors have submitted essays which supply a variety of perspectives on Frankenstein. The book offers an authoritative text, contextual and source materials, and a wide range of interpretations in addition to a bibliography of other works on the topics.

If you think you know Frankenstein because you have seen the classic 1930's Hollywood movie, then you really don't know Frankenstein. The short novel upon which the movie is loosely based (so loosely as to be almost a different story)is a morality tale on the creation of life and the obligations of the creator and the created. Mary Shelley was only twenty when she wrote the novel, begun when a house party attended by the poet Byron and Shelley's husband, the poet Percy Shelley decided to swap "ghost" stories one evening. Only Mary Shelley completed her story and this is the 1818 text presented in this book.
One main objection I have about this book (and the only reason that kept it from getting 5 stars) is basically the plot itself. If you think that a tight plausible plot is needed, then this is not the book for you. There are too many holes and too many times I found myself asking, Why would the character do this? But if you read for language and philosophical thought, then Frankenstein is a perfect short read. The monster is very erudite and able to express his emotions perfectly. Why was he created and how can he endure if all he receives is the scorn and hatred of those around him? What is the obligation of the creator-to please his creation or keep him from doing harm to others? This is the true core of the story and the contrasting feelings between Victor Frankenstein, the creator and the monster fill the pages.
While not a difficult read, it is one that is totally unexpected if you have no prior knowledge of the novel's difference with the movie. While the movie is rightfully a classic, the book delves more into the spiritual and emotional realms of creation and its affect on all. I would highly recommend this book for those who are intrigued by the beauty of language and thought. J

Mary Shelley's early 1818 text of Frankenstein is free of the revisions she made when she became an older woman, wearier of the world. This novel is not the horror story Hollywood has told us in Boris Karloff's portrayal of the Frankenstein monster, Kenneth Brannaugh's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (a disturbing departure from the text) and the satire Young Frankenstein. The horrors Shelley comments on in the book include the dangers of man playing God and then not taking responsibility for his creation by abandoning it.

First, the review from "henry@coombs.anu.edu.au" contains several mistakes. Lestrade does not appear in "The Valley Of Fear", and that story is a prequel to "The Adventure Of The Final Problem". Second, it is probable that Watson altered events in FP in order that it would appear as though it was his first look at Moriarty, since it was the reader's as well. By "Valley Of Fear", readers know who it is, so it is unnecessary to do the same thing. Watson has plainly stated that he altered facts to make stories suitable for the reading public. Third, there is no "official" Holmes continuity. You accept what you, the reader, wish to accept. Nothing more. I disagree with his thoughts on the later Doyle stories, but that is a matter of opinion.

That said, this is a great book which does what Doyle never bothered to do; make the narrative an intense character study where we find out some of the deepest corners of Holmes' mind. This is Sherlock Holmes at it's best, filled with splendid characterization and a cunning mystery. The drama is this story is incredible; Holmes' confrontation with Sigmund Freud is heartstopping, and his moments of weakness are heartbreaking. There are also many nice touches that warm a reader's heart, like examining Watson and his wife, Mary Morstan, and her references to "brandy and soda" and calling him "Jack".

The mystery is also quite good, and appears halfway through the book (but does not forget to deal with Holmes' addiction). There are moments of high drama and action which are integrated nicely and paced swiftly. Holmes' deductions are excellent and well thought out.

If you have ever felt that Doyle's stories lacked emotional investment for the reader, then this is the book to read.

Doyle was an excellent writer, but he did not truly understand what a wonderful character he had created in Sherlock Holmes. He saw him as merely a calculating machine, perhaps never noticing the hidden passion that he placed within the character; the kindness and heart within Holmes.

But Nicholas Meyer did.

And he displayed it in a novel that was a bestseller, that led to a feature film, and revitalized Holmes in the late twentieth century. With creators like these, with people that care so deeply about him, Sherlock Holmes will survive for another hundred years.

Final notes. Meyer is the director of several movies, including the movie adaptation of this novel, and a few Star Trek movies.

This book does have it's mistakes, and one is that if Moriarty is what he is in this novel, then "Final Problem", "Empty House" and "Valley Of Fear" are lies that slander an innocent, if annoying man.

THE SEVEN-PER-CENT SOLUTION is a story unparalleled in the annals of criminal detection. Discovered in Hampshire, England, where it had lain neglected since 1939, then painstakingly researched and annotated for two years by editor Nicholas Meyer, THE SEVEN-PER-CENT SOLUTION marks the first publication of a heretofore unknown and astounding episode in the career of Sherlock Holmes as recorded by his closest friend and chronicler, Dr. John H. Watson.

Even more remarkable than the historic discovery of Watson's transcript are the revelations it contains concerning the real identity of the heinous Professor Moriarity, the dark secret shared by Sherlock and brother Mycroft Holmes, and the detective's true whereabouts and activities during the Great Hiatus when the world believed him dead.

Most astounding of all, THE SEVEN-PER-CENT SOLUTION details the events that led to the meeting in Vienna of the world's two most brilliant investigators and their collaboration on a sensational case of diabolic conspiracy.

John Hamish Watson was born in England in 1847. After a childhood spent abroad, he returned in 1872 and enrolled in the University of London Medical School, where he took his degree six years later. After finishing the course at Netley prescribed for Army surgeons, he was attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers and sent to India. Severly wounded by a Jezail bullet at the Battle of Maiwand during the Second Afghan War, in 1880, he returned to England, his health ruined, with no specific plans other than to live as best he could on his Army pension. In January of the following year, quite by accident, he met Sherlock Holmes, who was then looking for someone to share his lodgings. The ensuing friendship, which lasted until Holmes' death found Watson his niche as the great detective's biographer through more than sixty cases. In his spare time he resumed the practice of medicine. In 1889 he married Mary Morstan. He died in Britain in 1940.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was very impressed with it. I checked it out from the library to read it but I'm definitely buying a copy for myself. First of all, it was just a well written and entertaining book. Some scenes were hilarious while others were postively heartbreaking. Secondly, I found it to be very true to the spirit of Doyle's stories and to his Holmes and Watson. I felt that Meyer did an excellent job with Holmes' character. Holmes was slightly different from what he was in the canon but I felt that this could have been how Doyle would have written Holmes had he ever chosen to write a story such as this. Meyer also had Holmes and Watson's relationship down to perfection. I loved how he seemed to realize how important Watson was to Holmes. The deductions in the book were also very good. Most of them were worthy of Sir Arthur himself. I also liked Meyer's footnotes. I thought they were cool. What I loved most about the book though was that I got the strong impression that it was written out of a love for the canon and not out of a love for the money. The book appeared to have been written by someone who had read and re-read the canon and not by someone who was getting all their information from the Basil Rathbone movies.

I should add that the book does deviate from the canon so I have to advise caution if you're a purist. The book gives a different explanation for the Great Hiatus and Moriarty isn't portrayed as Doyle wrote him. I can understand how some people could have a problem with this. I admit that I did too at first. But I don't anymore. Although I love Doyle's Holmes stories, I realize that they are not perfect. They are not without their faults and contradictions and I feel that those who love the canon the most are the ones who will try to correct the faults and explain away the contradictions. And I felt that that was the reason for the book's deviation from the canon. So I would highly recommend it unless you just can't tolerate a deviation from Doyle's work.