I just finished reading this book and I definitely recommend it. This book gives you an intro to using Flash MX. If you don't have a lot of time (or patience) to read one of the thick books, this one will do the job to get you up and running in Flash MX.
In the next edition (which is apparently coming up), I hope the author goes into a bit more detail on components. I was hoping that he would have the reader create an application utilizing ALL of the installed components (Microsoft calls them controls). But only a couple of the components are covered. I know this is an intro book, but if you're 40% there, why not go all the way?
One thing about the book that NEEDS to be fixed is errors. It looks like some of the errors are simply text carried over from the previous edition of the book where Flash 5 is the topic, but doesn't apply to Flash MX. Luckily, most of the errors are self-evident.
Now that I finished this book and being interested in Flash MX DEVELOPMENT rather than DESIGN, I have "Flash MX ActionScript Bible" (thick book) waiting to read next which I'm pretty excited about. If you want to focus on Flash MX development, the path is clear after reading this book: you need to buy an ActionScript book. If you're interested in DESIGN however, you have to determine if this book is all you need or if you need to buy another (advanced) Flash MX book (not ActionScript).
Take one step at a time though and buy this book first and worry about further reading later. At least when you finish this book, you will have a good grounding in Flash MX so when you're ready for the advanced Flash MX book(s), you will be able to make an informed decision on which book is best for you. Meanwhile, browse in the bookstores for your next book while reading this one and buy at Amazon (of course) when ready.
Good luck,
George
