Although the Spectrum is blessed with its own Basic language, this does not mean it is the best one for all purposes. Many other languages exist and this book is a description of the range available for the Spectrum user.

The problem with an alternative language is that it occupies space which would normally be free for programming. Obviously this puts memory at a premium... what good is a language if there's no space to write a program using it?

Out of necessity the various implementations lack the flexibility of full blown operating systems and the authors carefully point out the more obvious omissions.

Each language is given its own chapter and the in-depth approach of the book transmits an essence of each system by looking in detail at the applications and commands available through them.

The languages dealt with are C-Language FORTH, LOGO, Micro-PROLOG, Pascal, PILOT and some of the specific applications languages Games Designer, The Quill, HURG and White Lightning.

The introduction to each chapter defines the language in terms of its development and the special features of the existing Spectrum implementations. A Basic program is then compared to its equivalent under the new language and this is used as a basis for a suitably detailed look at the architecture and commands available.

The approach of the book is to be machine-dependent but tries not to tie itself too closely to specific software packages. This attitude obviously breaks down when discussing the specific application languages. These are dealt with briefly but informatively in a single chapter at the end of the book. The sections do not go into close syntaxial analyses but do say enough about each to help prospective customers to make their choice.

The book is not merely a buyer's guide but an effective overview of the whole language market. Even if you are not contemplating buying a package, it is an enjoyable way to spread your horizons beyond the narrow confines of Basic.