The Gamut Of Electronics

The production of a pocket technical dictionary is no small undertaking, particularly in such a fast-moving field as microelectronics. This book is a valiant attempt, but seems a little uncertain of the level of readership it is pitching to. The range of entries encompasses both the esoteric and intriguing (the 'Josephson junction') and the unnecessarily obvious ('PVC tape' and 'to hit').

On the positive side, however, the cross referencing throughout is excellent, practically all terms used in definitions being found as entries in their own right.

There is an obvious bias in the direction of electronics theory, which is the author's own speciality, but I suppose this is fair enough in view of the title. However, I feel that some of the less electronics orientated entries could have benefitted from more detail, specifically the definitions of computer languages.

Overall, probably a good reference starting point, at the price, but definitely not a sole source of information.

Mike Barwise