A prolific writer of computer software and a student at Manchester University, Dan Isaaman has a number of publications to his credit. This book is an excellent introduction to computer programming for the beginner, written in a simple style. The instructions are clear and will be understood by anyone interested in computing but with little experience.

Essentially, the book is a listing of eighteen games of increasing complexity and intriguing titles such as Red Alert, Spy Bodes, Spy Codes, Nim and Silo Raid. They are written so that there are only minor differences in coding between a number of popular home computers, including the Beeb and Electron, which means that Isaaman has not taken advantage of the Beeb's more advanced features such as procedures and sound, but for his inexperienced audience this is probably an advantage.

The author is to be congratulated on his very clear descriptions of the programs and their working. The listings are bug-free and fully documented, and in most cases he includes a section on how the programmer might simplify or complicate the game. This is the book's value - it's not just a listing of games. It could well provide the novice with the necessary encouragement to move from using the computer simply as a toy to writing his own programs.

In a section aimed at helping the reader to do this a storyline is suggested togehter with a program plan. This is followed by a skeleton listing of the code necessary plus clear explanations and encouragement.

In addition, a number of the full listings provided work satisfactorily and contain good ideas for games. These could act as the basis for more interesting programs by adding graphics, colour and sound.

The book is concluded with a section on BASIC and a glossary of terms.

Altogether an excellent and reasonably priced book, and a useful stocking-filler for parents thinking of buying their child a computer for Christmas.

Gordon Anderson