This unique book teaches you the fundamental concepts of good computer programming while introducing you to one of the most powerful languages in use today—Java! It gives you an ideal balance between programming concepts and the details of Java. Rather than exhaustively cover the entire language, the author focuses on a subset of Java—a lean and practical core that is manageable, yet detailed enough to create powerful Java applets. And as you master the basics of Java, you'll be developing solid programming skills that will increase your effectiveness no matter which language you work with! Includes a wealth of practical advice, tips, and reference material.
I was able to learn Java (my first programming language) from this book by myself through distance education...so I guess it means it is good!
Note: Years later, looking back, I don't think it was very well-written. It needed to have a better structure for an introductory code book. As someone who didn't have any previous mindset regarding programming, it took me awhile before I "got it". I feel the whole concept of programming and how things are laid out and the basic elements could have been developed to aid the reader more easily.