It comes as a bit of a surprise to find a book published in 1986 on basic Basic programming. Jim Maitland defends this move by insisting that most of the books available on this subject are difficult or the beginner to understand. This, he believes, is the cause of many Spectrums being relegated to the toy box by frustrated novice programmers.

Working on the premise that his book will be a definitive work, he roped in the assistance of his two children, one to draw the graphics and the other to write the programs which are to be found on the accompanying tape.

I'm sure Maitland would agree that his book will not turn anyone into a master programmer but its tight style and measured pace combine to make it well worth the comparatively low price.

Starting with the rudiments of the 'daunting' Spectrum keyboard, the first chapter spends all its time on keyboard familiarisation exercises with a small demonstration of the Spectrum's capabilities as the first program on the tape. Each chapter is called a unit so that you can use the book as a day by day tutorial.

Programming begins in the second unit with the PRINT command and simple line editing. The end of this chapter introduces the first taped exercise which has an incorrectly typed piece of text. The reader is invited to make the necessary changes utilising the new found knowledge gleaned from the preceding text.

Unit 3 is called Simple Sums for Dads and Mums which underlines a second level of interest in the course. Parents can join in the fun with this book's aid and share an interest in the absorbing world of programming. As the title implies, this section deals with the common arithmetical commands and the syntax necessary to achieve the correct results.

The way in which the rest of the book develops seems so natural that it is obvious that a lot of thought went into the construction of this book. Each chapter's corresponding tape program may never top the software charts but they certainly serve their purpose by adding the necessary hands on experience for the reader.

By the end of the book every major keyword has been discussed in sufficient detail with many little programming hints and tips along the way. If this were all that the book contained it would be sufficient, but there's more.

The appendices to the book carry sample solutions to the exercises which relate to each unit and there are further exercises for the really keen reader. Maitland does explain that the solutions he gives are merely interpretations of the answers and that other approaches are acceptable. After all, the acid test for a program is not whether it is skillfully written, but if it works.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn Basic but lack any knowledge of computers. The book is packed with information, but the style is such that it sweeps you along at a comfortable pace. Enquiries can be directed to the author at Computer Publications, 5 Western Drive, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8HJ.