I love the way this book is written because the author has given this highly technical book a personal touch which helps to explain in a more user friendly manner how to accomplish the tasks set before us. He touches on every aspect of 3D Studio Max R3 giving very detailed information enabling users from beginner to advanced a wealth of knowledge with which to accomplish a project.
Some people learn from visual stimulation while others procure their knowledge through reading.
The book comes with a CD filled with models, demo, chapter files, and plug-ins. The book is organized into logical sections covering how to get started using Max, working with objects, modeling, materials and maps, lights and cameras, particle systems and space warps, model systems, animation, rendering and post-production, and extending Max. Each section has several chapters in them. Part I covers how to get started with chapters on what's new, exploring the Max interface, and customizing it. Part II covers working with objects with chapters on referencing external objects, importing and exporting, cloning objects and using arrays, selecting and grouping objects, transforming objects, and modifying objects.