If you like the combat aspect of DnD/D20 then this book is for you. You'll need to get your GM to allow the new rules and combat options first.
There are 5-6 pages on new combat options called Manuevers and action types. While very interesting, they could potentialy slow down the pace of combat as you figure the points required for each manuver. They do seem balanced, an example being a manuver that sacrifices attacks to deal more damage.
There are also some very unique prestige classes. The combo of new prestige classes and unique manuvers can really help to differentiate your character, especialy for a combat oriented one that would like to specialize in a specific weapon.
Masters of Arms has a prestige class for every major type of weapon, including: Axe, Bow, Dagger, Sai, Cloak, Glaive, Sword+Shield, Rapier, etc. In fact, there are 35 weapon specialist prestige classes.
All in all, an excellent fighter/combat orientied book of prestige classes.

Peterson has a strong understanding of the idealist movement. Especially when she discusses Wallace Stevens poetic approach and view on idealism.
In his own words, "Everything I see is another piece of the broken mirror and inside the spectrum is a picture that only I understand."
Unlock the magic of this great read!

I'm a user of 3D Studio R4, and so I thought that I could easily transfer the lofting skills into 3ds max without too much of a problem. This book, however, doesn't use many of the techniques used in the Inside 3DStudioR4 book by New Riders. It's definitely not for beginning users looking to learn the fundamentals of using 3DSmax. I was disappointed at its learning curve, but I assume if you're comfortable with 3DSmax1, then this book might be for you. If somebody knows a book for 3DSmax2 that is in the same vein as Inside 3DStudio R4, then please email me ;)

Many books on the market will give you step by step instructions how how to create a scene, or create certain effects. Although this is sometimes handy, it doesn't easially allow the user to incorperate the skills they learned into their own work.

Inside 3D Studio Max shows you the concepts behind how the program works, and allows you to apply these concepts, and skills to your own work, rather than a preformatted tutorial. It is this fact, however, that makes the book not extremely useful for modelers who are new to the program. This book often speaks of the manual which ships with 3DS Max, and the writer made it clear that this was not yet ANOTHER MANUAL. Inside 3D Studio Max explores how to expand your ability.

If you have no prior modeling practice, read the manual which ships with Max, then buy this book. If you do that, you will appreciate what is taught in this massive book.

This is an overall GREAT book, and it has really helped me to become a much better 3D artist.

There's a thing common to all classic books: even if you've read one from cover to cover you discover something new every time you open it. Things that you glossed over earlier suddenly start to make sense. This book is no exception. Since 'Inside 3D Studio Rel. 3' the authors have provided an unique insight into the world's most popular 3D programs. This book raises the standard even further, providing enough grip for the novice and a treasure trove of knowledge of the professional. The best thing about this book is the explanation of the PRINCIPLES behind 3D Studio MAX. Instead of the 'do this-screen shot-do that' methodology, the authors have concentrated in the core ideas behind every tool and procedure. If you want MAX to be an extension to your right brain, get this book. Read it all the time. Do the tutorials. Keep referring to it for ideas. You'll discover what you were missing with other books -- the real goods on making MAX dance to your tune.