This book is VERY poorly edited. Yes, by brute force I've learned a bit more about Struts than what I'd already learned previously from a few tutorials.
It seems these authors may know lots about the topic but do NOT communicate it well. Topics are introduced within other topics without so much as an explanation. Actions, ActionMappings, ActionErrors, etc., are introduced without sufficient explanation as to why and in what situations they should be used. There are errors throughout. In sample code on a page an explanation refers to "highlighted lines in the code". -- Nothing is highlighted!!! This is just the tip of the iceberg.
I downloaded the sample code from the Wrox web site and it is in disarray.
After looking around the Wrox site it seems they are in disarray as well. It seems they've been bought, sold, or whatever recently.
After having published such a great book with XSLT, 2nd edition by Michael Kay back in April, 2001, I'm highly disappointed with this recent (2003) Wrox publication.
A good book not only requires authors competent in the subject matter (which these *seem* to be) but need to have the ability to communicate/teach the topic well. And, editors are necessary to ensure cohesion, consistency, and accuracy. The later two have clearly not been accomplished here.
I feel burned and would be reluctant to get another book from Wrox unless and until they can somehow prove they can raise the bar significantly.
BUYER BEWARE!
