For my money one of the nicest things about the Electron is its in-built assembler. And now there's an equally nice book that teaches you how to use the assembler to talk to the micro in its own language - machine code.

People seem to shy away from assembly language, as it has a reputation for being hard to learn. I've maintained that it is more complex than difficult. If it were explained properly it wouldn't appear too formidable.

Now Ferguson and Shaw have made my point beautifully in the thirteen chapters of Assembly Language Programming On The Electron. Each chapter is short and well illustrated; the diagrams adding something to the text rather than just being decoration.

The numerous short example programs are excellent, and these, combined with the lucid treatment of the subject, soon give a feeling of confidence.

There are three short summaries for you to check your progress and eight appendices - which are, for once, of use rather than just being afterthoughts.

This is a lovely little book. Its easy-to-read style and gradual progress give confidence to the learner while encouraging exploration.

So if you feel confined by BASIC and want to know how to use your Electron's assembler, here's the one for you. A nice book.

Graham Parr