The book is certainly not aimed at the newcomer, and it covers a lot of ground, as can be seen by a list of the contents:

1. BBC Computer Hardware BBC Basic
2. Machine Operating System Video Display
3. Sound Generator Interfacing
4. Intro to Assembly Language Assembly Language II

Mike James does point out in the Preface that: "..even in a book of this length there must be more unsaid than said", and my initial question was whether or not a book of 155 pages (which I do not consider to be as long as Mike James implies), can actually be sub-titled 'An Expert Guide'?

In general I did find that the individual chapters supplemented the User Guide very well. Both hardware and software are discussed, for each of the topics covered, where this is applicable. Coverage of VIA, ACIA and ADC port addresses and programming was thorough, although it was largely assumed that 'trying things out' was the responsibility of the reader's imagination. An example of how he does supplement the User Guide is found in the chapter on Basic. This is in two main parts: a) How is it different from other Basics? (eg. Procedures, Repeat-Until), and b) Explanations on how the Interpreter runs, how programs are stored, Garbage Collection etc.

For the most part Mike James' explanations are thorough, and I found the chapter on the Sound Generator to be particularly clear in this respect. The chapter on Interfacing is restricted to the Analogue inputs and the User Port, but within these confines the text is again quite clear and readable. The two chapters on Assembly Language give a good grounding for starting work in this area, and there are a few 'worked' projects as examples of Assembly programming.

From a production point of view I thought it a shame that the book had no appendices for quick reference. This is particularly pertinent in that the Contents and Index are a bit skimpy. Program listings are clear and well presented but still printed by a dot matrix printer. I realise this is one of my hobby-horses but it is a pity as the rest of the book is very clearly set out, with a good quality print-face.

In conclusion, and indeed to answer my own question, I would say that the book is too small to be a true 'expert guide' (such a guide would more likely be a suite of books) . However it is not a 'novice guide' but rather an excellent text for the person who is getting to grips with BBC computer terminology and who wants to expand his knowledge without having to break the bank. The Basic programmer can buy it and learn a bit more about hardware (or Assembler), and vice versa. It is good value for money and should be a welcome addition to the owner's library.