Dear all,

I have had a couple of requests for good Java books. Below is a list you may find useful. Big Java is perhaps the best book for explaining both simple and more intermediate concepts of java, while Core Java is very comprehensive, but perhaps lacks some introductory material. Finally, Effective Java is an excellent resource for the more advanced aspects of Java.

• Big Java, 3rd Edition, Cay S. Horstmann, ISBN: 978-0-470-10554-2
• Core Java, 8th Edition, Cay, S. Horstmann and Gary Cornell, ISBN: 978-0-132-35476-9
• Effective Java, 2nd Edition, Joshua Bloch, ISBN: 978-0-321-35668-0

As with many things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all. These books are all available in the Main library. My advice is you borrow them before you consider a purchase, and see which book fits you best!

If you do want to purchase one of them (and I suggest you do eventually), why not take a look on eBay or Amazon marketplace for good used copies, as the books can be quite expensive from new.