Koncocoo

Best 3D Graphic Design

3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development, 2nd Edition
Reflecting both academic and in-the-trenches practical experience, the authors teach you how to describe objects and their positions, orientations, and trajectories in 3D using mathematics. He was a technical director for the Walt Disney Company at Wideload Games in Chicago, where he was the lead programmer for Disney Guilty Party , which won IGN's Family Game of the Year at E3 2010.
Reviews
"I hadn't seen much math or geometry since high school, but this book does a great job at easing you into the underlying concepts of some pretty heavy stuff. I tried to wade through the CG "bibles" ("Real Time Rendering", "Principles of Computer Graphics in C") and quickly realized that if you're not either a CG major in college or an experienced CG pro, those books are like being in heavy seas without a life vest."
"I had a quick browse through the book, I don't have the time to work through it now I bought it for next year but from what I could digest from the sample pages I read it is very good."
"This was a great book."
"A lot of times the explanation does not translate to directly explain the provided example code, but this was an invaluable starting point for programming 3D maths."
"I have tried to learn 3d programming from reading other books on this topic and found myself getting confused before finishing the first couple of pages. This book came to my house and I began reading chapter 1, before I knew it I was on chapter 5 (2 hours later) and knew a good bit about Vectors, Matrices, 3d Coordinate systems and the such."
"Unfortunately, the later chapters look (Starting from the chapter on Quaternions/Euler angles and going until the end of the book) like they were quite rushed which was disappointing considering the nice flow of the previous chapters."
Find Best Price at Amazon
Adobe After Effects CC Classroom in a Book (2017 release)
Creative professionals seeking the fastest, easiest, most comprehensive way to learn Adobe After Effects CC (2017 release) choose Adobe After Effects CC Classroom in a Book (2017 release) from Adobe Press. She has also co-written The Photoshop Show Starring Russell Brown ; numerous editions of the Classroom in a Book series on Photoshop, After Effects, Flash, and Acrobat; and several editions of the How to Wow series.
Reviews
"I have the book for Pro Premiere coming as well; I've pretty much done what I can in MovieMaker and Power Point so it's time to take my video creation to the next level."
"I always used the Trish and Chris Meyer books in the past, but the last published edition was in 2010. The basics are... well, KIND OF basically covered (shape, text, animation, layers, masks, puppet tools, rotobrush, color correction, 3D features included the camera tracker, advanced editing, rendering.). The problem came in when I started thinking about how well this would all work for someone who was a REAL beginner rather than a past user who just hadn't picked up the new edition for a few years. Look at an old copy of the last Trish and Chris Meyer 2010 book, *Creating Motion Graphics With After Effects. Look for the older, much longer chapters going into detail about fundamental concepts like layers and keyframes and editing-- not there. What really needed to happen is for Trish and Chris Meyer to keep coming out with books, whether in print or online format. PROS: Does have some good info. Tutorials are well written. Does cover some of what you need to know. Online version included with the purchase is very nice. CONS. Does not cover the basics very well. Does not contain comprehensive information about the nuts and bolts of AE in the way that the Trish and Chris Meyer books did. Not a reference book, which it needed to be. Not long enough. Emphasis on tutorials rather than constructing the "building blocks" of the basic knowledge you need to use AE as a tool. Overall, this isn't a bad book to have in your library... but I would seriously also buy Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, 5th Edition."
"i've paid tuitiion fe es for multiple college level graphic design courses that simply teach from these books."
"Kindle version: Lots of typos."
"Quality of book was not so good sorry."
"I've used a few classroom in a book textbooks for my graphic design courses at Arizona State.This book is just terrible compared to the books for InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator."
"You start a project then its confusing because the next section doesn't pick up where you left off, you just abandon it."
Find Best Price at Amazon
ZBrush Characters and Creatures
Aimed at aspiring and veteran modelers alike, topics covered by the panel of industry experts include alien concepts, quadruped designs, and inventive creatures, while a collection of speed-sculpting tutorials offer fantastic insight into working quickly with this revolutionary sculpting software. Over the last decade the site has evolved into one of the premier CG art websites in the world, offering a variety of training products, an inspirational gallery, a free texture library and hundreds of free tutorials on a variety of subjects. As well as self-publishing the next volumes in the pre-existing Digital Art Masters and Digital Painting Techniques series, 3DTotal Publishing has launched a number of new titles including: The Art of Atomhawk Design: Volume 1, Photoshop for 3D Artists: Volume 1 and Beginner’s Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop.
Reviews
"If you've spent a lot of time watching tutorials but still feel overwhelmed by Zbrush, or if you're interested in concept art and the process of designing creatures and characters, you will LOVE this book."
"No real step by step tutorials."
"Pretty good ideas on methodsof creation, but doesn't tell you exactly how to do them."
"The corner of the book was slightly damaged but I guess it's because it was basically thrown into my balcony XD anyway great book!"
"Interesting content."
"I ordered on the 26th and recieved it today and not gonna lie but so far ive only thumbed through it and that was enough to encourage me to write a quick review."
"This is the best in depth and well written Zbrush book I've bought in years."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best OpenGL Software Programming

OpenGL Superbible: Comprehensive Tutorial and Reference (7th Edition)
OpenGL® SuperBible, Seventh Edition, is the definitive programmer’s guide, tutorial, and reference for OpenGL 4.5, the world’s leading 3D API for real-time computer graphics. The authors explain what OpenGL does, how it connects to the graphics pipeline, and how it manages huge datasets to deliver compelling experiences. This revised and updated edition introduces many new OpenGL 4.5 features, including important ARB and KHR extensions that are now part of the standard. It thoroughly covers the latest Approaching Zero Driver Overhead (AZDO) performance features, and demonstrates key enhancements with new example applications. Richard S. Wright, Jr., Senior Software Engineer for Software Bisque, developed multimedia astronomy and planetarium software using OpenGL.
Reviews
"If you are a beginner to Opengl, there's going to be some frustration getting through this book, but you will eventually learn the ins and outs of Opengl."
"So complaints about having to learn the framework instead of OpenGL are unfounded."
"OpenGL is hard - no [existing] book is going to get you up to speed."
"If you run into a problem where you can't get the single point to show up, you might need to just move onto an example that actually feeds vertex data to the shader. So if you've struggled for hours trying to get a stupid little dot to show up on your screen and it just doesn't work, just move onto an example where you feed vertices to shader program."
"Can serve as a reference book too."
"Chapters 4 through 6 deal with a lot of concepts and background things, but were mostly necessary to cover. I personally believe that Chapter 5 should have come later in the book because it deals with atomic operations and memory barriers."
"Almost all of the new content in this edition requires features introduced with OpenGL 4.4 or 4.5, or recent OpenGL extensions -- none of which were supported by OS X at the time of writing. 7th ed: OpenGL 4.5. 6th ed: OpenGL 4.3. 5th ed: OpenGL 3.3. 4th ed: OpenGL 2.1. 3rd ed: OpenGL 2.0 and 1.5. 2nd ed: OpenGL 1.2, 1.1."
"As others have said, many figures in the printed version are nigh-on useless (directed at the printer/publisher rather than at the authors)."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Rendering & Ray Tracing

Real-Time Rendering, Third Edition
It also presents a solid theoretical framework and relevant mathematics for the field of interactive computer graphics, all in an approachable style. This latest edition is as relevant as ever, covering topics from essential mathematical foundations to advanced techniques used by today’s cutting edge games.
Reviews
"Make no mistake, there is a lot of math in this book. All in all I think it was a great read, and I feel a lot more comfortable with the basic concepts of rendering after reading the book."
"DON'T get the kindle version, it is just pdf images (table of content links don't work, page takes up only half of the phone screen, cannot zoom in)."
"Their intention is always to describe the best up-to-date techniques to implement solutions to every aspect of real-time 3D graphics, with only enough general or historical discussion of each topic to provide a foundation to understand the current state-of-the-art. It is a perfect complement to special-purpose books on specific APIs (OpenGL or DirectX) or GPU shading languages (GLSL or CG or HLSL) that describe the specific graphics environment and software tools you need to implement your 3D applications."
"It gives a really good description of just about everything, I was happy to see how it has a section to go over the GPU architecture, and uses the Playstation 3 and XBox 360 as examples."
"It's the best book I've found for up-to-date information about GPU rendering."
"If you understand the basics of rendering already this book will give you detailed coverage of rendering theory, its not an implementation example book."
"Amazing overview of real-time rendering techniques."
"This is a must have book for everyone who wants to dig deeper into real-time rendering and games."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Transformations Mathematics

Common Core Math Workbook, Grade 4: Multiple Choice, Daily Math Practice Grade 4
By practicing and mastering this entire workbook, your child will become very familiar and comfortable with the state math exam and common core standards. By working on these problems on a daily basis, students will be able to (1) find any deficiencies in their understanding and/or practice of math and (2) have small successes each day that will build competence and confidence in their abilities. If your child is having trouble with any questions, you can easily access our video explanations where an instructor will show the student how to get the correct answer. CEO & Co-Founder of Argo Brothers is an author, entrepreneurial thinker, and educator who has helped thousands of students gain acceptance into top colleges and high schools. Eduard has been an educator for over a decade teaching students about corporate finance, stock market analysis and business expansion. Aside from actively being involved in the production of K-12 and higher education test prep books, Eduard believes education starts from the very beginning and Eduard has created a custom learning program at Einstein Daycare, a licensed pre-school located in New York City, where kids are intellectually stimulated using cutting-edge learning tools.
Reviews
"My students also enjoyed watching one of the You Tube videos, which provided detailed explanations on how to solve the problems."
"Awesome practice to brainstorm your kids' math knowledge; keeps my son's attention and interest to work with this book!!!"
"Great book for my 4th grader."
"Great product, but you may have to explain your child the exercises and the material."
"does the job."
"Good book and useful videos to review themes."
"Help reiterate what her teacher teaches."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best CAD Graphic Design Guides

CNC Programming Handbook, Third Edition
Used in hundreds of educational institutions around the world as the primary text for CNC courses, and used daily by many in-field CNC programmers and machine operators, this book literally defines CNC programming. This powerful software includes an amazing array of features, including those not found in competitive products. Support for many advanced features is standard, and the included macro interpreter can simulate Fanuc and compatible macro toolpath programs Detailed section on CNC lathes with live tooling, including examples Image files of many actual parts, used as examples More programming examples (both in printed text and on the CD-ROM) Optimized for the latest Fanuc and related control systems Additional formulas, calculations and handy reference material Fourth axis programming (indexing and rotary) CD-ROM based projects, including several as interactive PDF forms Improved index for better search of topics.
Reviews
"The z coordinate moves along the axis of rotation of the shaft or workpiece with the x coordinate being the radial distance (signed) of the cutter from the axis of rotation. The distance advanced in one revolution is then (1/t) inches per thread or revolution.The rate the cutter must travel along the z direction is then (1/t)xRPM where RPM is the rotation rate of the shaft in revolutions per minute. Next for the review: You're assumed to know how to read prints and mainly how to picture in your mind or sketch the object from a standard 3 view orthographic projection drawing (front view, right side view, and top view). The front view actually gives y and z coordinates of the points of your object, right side view gives x and z, top gives x and y. For a lathe a 2 view or even single view will suffice."
"Machining and want to be great at programming this has it all, great examples."
"So it spent half its trip within 5 miles of my house without coming to my house."
"I have not finished this book but it is obvious that this is one book that everyone who wants to learn anything about CNC needs to read."
"Very detailed, well written, all the information you need and then some I can see this becoming a reference book after i finish my first read through it,"
"I used this text initially for course study, now for refining my programs."
"I have been walking through the programs with the help of this book and it has been really helpful in learning the programs."
"Otherwise an acceptable book however as a beginner to CNC, the CD-Rom was the reason I chose this particular book."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 3D Printing Books

The 3D Printing Handbook: Technologies, design and applications
The 3D Printing Handbook provides practical advice on selecting the right technology and how-to design for 3D printing, based upon first-hand experience from the industry's leading experts. "3D Hubs draw on the thousands of 3D printing hours they have clocked up and bring this experience to the reader" - Michael Petch, 3dprintingindustry.com.
Reviews
"Like others have said, if you are a beginner hoping to learn the basics of 3D printing then this book will be great for you. But if you REALLY want to learn about 3D printing, skip the book, save up and buy an actual 3D printer."
"It is written with cohesive understanding of the entire 3D printing landscape, thus it functions as a manual providing surface to semi-advanced information on all 3D printing technologies, including lesser-known types."
"Amazing book, it has everything about the 3D printer process and all the details wroten by experts."
"very nice survey of 3d printing."
"But if you're interested in FDM printing (which the book terms FFF), that is, printers that work by laying down a thin layer of semi-molten plastic through a heated print head, i.e., the process used by probably 90+% of the printers sold, you will find precious little to assist you. It would more accurately be titled "3D Printing Technologies Review", because its main strength is describing the various 3D printing technologies, and comparing them for the types of parts they produce."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Desktop Publishing

Marijuana Grower's Handbook: Your Complete Guide for Medical and Personal Marijuana Cultivation
With 500 pages of full color photos and illustrations, the book delivers all the basics that a novice grower needs, as well as scientific research for the experienced gardener. All aspects of cultivation are covered, from the selection of varieties, setting up of the garden, and through each stage of plant growth all the way to harvesting. Ed Rosenthal has been teaching for more than 30 years.
Reviews
"This book is like a 100 or 200 level college course book."
"Even if you dont grow, This book is an interesting read... lots of pictures with good information on several aspects of this fascinating subject."
"The overall theory was very informative, but for the beginner, like myself, would have liked to have more day to day care, especially related to hydroponic management."
"I recommend other books for specifics breeders and growers bible, lets grow a pound, and some others for specific topics, but this one is definently jam packed with info on all aspects."
"A very necessary addition to furthering knowledge."
"Ed’s got it all covered, from first seed all the way to enjoying your finished product...and everything in between!"
"Just started reading the book but it seems to have all the information needed to grow your own healthy plants."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Electronic Documents

Adobe Animate CC Classroom in a Book (2017 release)
Creative professionals seeking the fastest, easiest, most comprehensive way to learn Adobe Animate choose Adobe Animate CC Classroom in a Book (2017 release) from Adobe Press. He has taught at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and at the University of California at Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, and was the Department Head of the Illustration program at Sessions College for Professional Design.
Reviews
"good book, didn't know much about animation but the book made it easier but still takes over and over again sometimes."
"On line courses are good .....a book seems to be an easier method for me."
"I love that it is also available off line, in case i'm on the road without internet connection."
"Love these books!"
"Bought this as a supplement to the book required for my class."
"I bought this book at Barnes and Noble and it has been so helpful!"
"Its okay if you are into designing cartoons."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Computer Modelling

Getting to Know ArcGIS
Getting to Know ArcGIS , fourth edition, is a comprehensive introduction to the features and tools of ArcGIS for Desktop. He has worked for Rand McNally Canada and for Esri, where he developed cartography for books, and edited and tested GIS workbooks.
Reviews
"This book is designed for even the least GIS inclined person."
"Book includes a six month license for ArcGIS."
"Awesome book with code to use on computer."
"I thought the the old ARGIS 9 Version was more readerr friendly."
"Great book with exercises."
"Good Book."
"Excellent workbook to get anyone started in ArcGIS."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best User Experience & Website Usability

Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability (3rd Edition) (Voices That Matter)
If you’ve read it before, you’ll rediscover what made Don’t Make Me Think so essential to Web designers and developers around the world. Steve Krug (pronounced "kroog") is best known as the author of Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability , now in its second edition with over 350,000 copies in print.
Reviews
"As the subtitle, "A Common Sense Approach", and Krug's consultancy's name, "Advanced Common Sense" ([...]) convey, many great design considerations today involve some simple approaches to dramatically improve your web user experiences."
"This should be required reading by ALL marketing execs, ALL web designers and developers, ALL graphic designers, ALL product designers and inventors, and ALL copywriters."
"Krug breaks the issues of usable web design into simple, digestible form for anyone who depends on a website for promotion or income."
"That fact makes this book a good read for anybody who is involved in any aspect of a websites operation, Web Developer, Marketing, Sales and Management (from mid level to upper level)."
"Many of the ideas and resources in the book have been incredibly valuable to me in my work, and it's almost always the first book I recommend to anyone asking questions about User Experience related topics."
"Unlike a boring text book, Krug makes the book really fun with helpful (yet obvious) examples that bring some concepts to life."
"This book was on the "suggested" reading lists for an interface design class that I took in college."
"But how is though to follow common sense when building a website! I use it on my daily work, to guide my business partners in the construction of the websites for my B2B Clients, and after reading it, is quirte amazing how you can immediatelly spot in the web the websites that follow its principles and those that don't."
Find Best Price at Amazon