Five years on, and there is still no definitive guide to learning BBC Basic. Many authors have tried, but no one has written a book that stands above the rest.

This book is aimed directly at those studying BBC Basic within the context of a GCSE or vocational course in computer studies. It shows in the arrangement of each chapter; a section of text giving information on a particular topic, followed by a group of self-test questions, then finally a 'cheat-sheet' of hints to be used only if help is needed on the questions.

The structure is educationally sound and works well. However, the inclusion of a snippet on graphics and sound in every chapter leads to a disjointed approach. A quirky feature, such as redefining characters with VDU 23, is described before fundamentaly like FOR...NEXT loops.

The introduction, containing advice for beginners, should serve to minimise the difficulties experienced as people sit at a keyboard for the very first time. Unfortunately, it doesn't.

The description of formatting assumes that a 40-track disc drive is being used. The scrolling of text off the top of the screen is supposedly demonstrated by listing a five-line program which can easily be shown in one screenful. A description of the NEW command is completely ruined by the omission of the word "don't". Furthermore, * is given as an abbreviation for *CAT! Tiny errors and omissions abound throughout the book, and a beginner is bound to be confused or put off altogether.

The book also makes no mention of the different versions of BBC Basic that are available. The use of the OPENUP command means that some of the listings in the book are for Basic 2 only. At no point is Basic 1 mentioned, and yet many school micros are still fitted with this ROM.

I liked the idea of this book: an educationally sound introduction that starts from how to switch on the computer. The reality is less likeable: a very readable book marred by poor preparation.