This book deals with the basic concepts behind programming a computer. Its expressed purpose is to convey the goals and methods of computer scientists to people interested in programming, but who are not interested in becoming computer science majors. This is accomplished by “talking” readers through various programming concepts as illustrated by LOGO. It is assumed that the reader will have a computer at his/her disposal to supplement the descriptions by actually repeating and expanding upon code found in the chapters. Suggestions for self-explorations are bountiful.

Through this orientation, the author presents the topics of procedures, variables, predicates, recursion, graphics, lists, arrays, and files, along with planning and debugging techniques. While the methodology does not take a highly structured approach, as the language used reflects, the book does cover the essential properties of an introductory programming text.

The book makes LOGO a language to be considered seriously for introductory comp- uting courses. This is especially true if the goal is preparation for artificial intelligence and the use of LISP. The book also conveys the ideas behind computer science, although I would argue that it also conveys the ideas behind programming in general. In each case, the author is commended for writing a refreshing and exciting book about programming.

The problem with this book is determining its audience. As a self-paced, self-instructional book about programming that can be used by people who have their own computers, it appears to work. It also appears to be useful for situations where classes are conducted in a laboratory situation where the book gives the major instructions and the instructor helps clarify and troubleshoot problems. I do not think it would be useful in a lecture type of programming course where the instructor gives the major orientation and the book supplements the instructor. Thus, the orientation of the programming course would determine whether this book was suitable for course use.

Overall, the book is enjoyable and easy to work with. It presents basic programming concepts well and is not restricted by structured programming style. While I do not see the need for four different iterations of recursion, I do not consider this to be a serious problem. This book suggests that LOGO can be a useful programming concepts language. Whether you would use this particular book to teach those concepts, however, depends on the nature of your course.