If you are a new programmer or a Java programmer moving to Java 2 then this is the book for you It offers: a complete introduction to Java 2; describes the language and many of its class libraries; shows how they are used; describes the key concepts of object orientation with lots of examples of how to apply the theory. This book will show you how to take advantage of Java 2's new features (such as the abstract windowing toolkit and the Swing classes) for creating graphical user interfaces. John Cowell explains how to use Swing components to change the look and feel of your Java applications...

Author John Cowell demonstrates his remarkable versatility by introducing the reader to the more 'poetic' side of his writing talent in "Poems of Life." As the title suggests we are invited to experience the humour and sometimes the tragedy of his life from the perspective of carefully crafted poems, uncomplicated at first reading, but with a hidden depth which only gradually becomes clear to the careful reader. A delightful read that will raise a smile and a tear in equal measure. John also generously introduces us to other poets including members of his family whose original poems provide a...