This is a course for those who want to understand the intricacies of programming instead of just playing games. The package comprises a flow chart stencil, two cassettes and a large A4 book. Basic is a very easy language and this package makes learning even easier. There are a couple of points that the authors make with which I would take issue.

The BBC machine has an advanced Basic that is meant to be used differently to older, less structured, languages. This book doesn't take sufficient note of this difference and, whilst their attitude is explained in the introduction, I don't accept the argument fully. Another small niggle is the binding of the book itself. It is case bound, it's impossible to lay it flat on the desk. A simple spiral binding would have made this simplicity itself.

This is a good course, but these two tiny problems make it much more difficult to recommend than it would otherwise have been. There are other courses for the BBC that take the Basic into better account and I would prefer one of these.

D.C.