Introduction gives a short descriptions about all (at that time) available RP systems, unfortunately only text, no pics. But, if you're looking for info on SLA and how to use it, this is a book for you. Stereolithography as a method is clearly described (almost in too detalied level) -how it's done, what happens in the process, materials and all. It's all there. Book also describes various applications based on this process. Good reading if you're interested in SLA, but if you're looking for general info on RP&M, this may be a bit too heavily concentrated on SLA for your needs.

Seeing the book rated for "Accomplished" programmers, I thought this would be a great way to learn Windows programming (since I already knew C++ itself). This is a very thick book that spends fully 1/2 of the volume with a C++ tutorial (well written). Then, suddenly, the example programs become Windows applications without much discussion on **what is going on**. Nothing on Windows specific programming is found until page 629, where a discussion of the Grapics Device Interface ensues. I found the Windows section to be very vauge. If I want to learn how to use the Integrated Development Environment, I can read the User's Guide that came with the compiler. This book might be a good reference for C++, and possibly for some advanced Windows programming concepts, but it is certainly not good for learning Windows programming with the OWL library

The very first program you try to compile and debug tells you that you "Can't debug 16 bit executables." This is because Borland C++ 5 uses the 32 bit debugger as the default. You can compile the example programs and use the 16 bit debugger, but it doesn't allow the ease of use intended for the IDE.