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From: jch@Stardent.COM (Jan Hardenbergh)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics
Subject: Re: Practical Intro to PHIGS (new book)
Summary: It's a matter of scope.
Message-ID: <1991Apr25.043852.3761@Stardent.COM>
Date: 25 Apr 91 04:38:52 GMT
References: <1991Apr19.175910.2922@Stardent.COM> <24373@well.sf.ca.us>
Organization: Stardent Computer, Concord MA
Lines: 26


> I am befuddled by Jan Hardenbergh's insistence on calling this 
> book "great", even though he recognizes many of its shortcomings.  
> I am also befuddled by his refusal to acknowledge many other of 
> its flaws.

Yes, I acknowledged that some of the details you mentioned should have
been done better.  I'll admit I'm wrong, when I am. But some of the
things you say are poorly described are IMHO quite well described.

O.K. I'm getting bored with this discussion.  

Here is what I have to say.  If you have any inkling of the scope of
PHIGS and you understand the nature of Ron Levine's complaints then you
will conclude that the book must be great.  PHIGS is huge - it makes X
look simple!  To have a book like this come out - into a vacuum - and be
arguing about details speaks highly of the book.

I'm not alone in liking the book.  Another PHIGS knowledgable person and
a tech writer have both looked at the book and had favorable opinions.
It would be nice to hear some other voices on this.


-- 
-Jan "YON" Hardenbergh       jch@stardent.com         (508)-371-9810x261
Stardent Computer, 6 N.E. Tech Center, 521 Virginia Rd,Concord, MA 01742