This book, described as the "alternative user's manual", explains how to use the Electron without assuming any previous knowledge but only an interest in the subject. It is written in a light, straightforward and conversational style and takes the reader through the most popular aspects of programming, with plenty of encouragement to experiment further.

The guide covers every topic in detail, starting with a simple explanation of how a microcomputer works and continuing through using the keyboard; words and numbers including real, integer and string variables and arrays using the screen for display; modes and colours; sound facilities; music and noise; graphics; data-day programs; animated graphics and finally converting BBC programs to run on the Electron. The book is concluded with two appendices explaining how to load, save and catalogue programs and how to compact programs to save memory and speed up running time.

Each chapter starts with an illustration but after that the pages are crammed with text, broken up only by programs and occasional diagrams and tables. The book's design will not appeal to young people but those who want to read as much as possible will appreciate the value for money it offers. Any beginner with enough concentration and interest in the book could go through it page by page and feel they had learned a great deal at the end.

It is not a very easy book to pick up and put down, mainly due to the poor presentation. There is no contents page or index and no summary of what each chapter exaplins. Even the chapter headings do not shed much light on their subject and there are no sub-headings to break them up. It becomes very annoying when you can vaguely remember reading something useful and want to check it again but have no idea where to find it and chapters titled "Graphic Details" and "More Graphic Details" don't really help. This is a pity because the text is enjoyable to read and makes the subject matter interesting and appealing.

The book will be useful to anyone who has bought an Electron and wants to learn how to use it fully, but finds the User Guide rather dry. While it could be improved simply with better presentation, it is well written and provides very clear and helpful instruction on the various aspects of simple programming.

Peter Mujtaba