Ray-Tracing Pocket Book (Paperback)

A superb guide. The examples are small but complete.

There is a particular kind of technical book that is dense without being difficult, and this is one of them. I found myself making notes in the margins, which is always a good sign. The progression from chapter to chapter is well thought out; nothing feels out of order. The author clearly knows the subject deeply and has thought hard about how to teach it. One of those books that pays for itself within the first few chapters. Highly recommended.

Hard to recommend. The examples assume too much and explain too little.

I had been on the fence about this one for a while, and I should have bought it sooner. The progression from chapter to chapter is well thought out; nothing feels out of order. The book rewards careful reading. Skimming it would be a mistake. I would look elsewhere unless you have a specific reason to need this particular title.

Good value. Not perfect, but I would buy another book from this author.

A colleague recommended this and I can see why. It does something that few technical books manage: it respects the reader's time. The examples are small enough to type out and experiment with, which is exactly what I want from a book like this. The writing is direct and does not waste space on filler, which I value in a technical book. The explanations are careful without being condescending, which is a difficult balance to strike. A good addition to a technical library, as long as you know what you are buying.