Very Basic Basic is a paperback which aims to guide the beginner through the first hours and weeks of understanding of BASIC. It does not claim to be a full manual for BASIC, but to provide a foundation for understanding the more complex books on programming.

It's well laid out and readably written, starting off by explaining how the Electron is connected up, and how to use the keyboard. There are chapters on loading and saving, and the user of types of printer. Although technically nothing to do with learning BASIC, most newcomers will find such information useful. The book is rather optimistically subtitled - a beginner would be hard-pushed to complete it in the first fifteen hours.

There are many short examples to be worked through and each is crefully explained. The reader is encouraged to experiment with programs and try out variations.

A useful book for the beginner who wants to learn programming, at a very reasonable price.

Martin Phillips