Inside 3ds max 4

3ds max 4 has much to offer, and learning to use all of its features can be a daunting task. Inside 3ds max 4 describes in detail all of the new features as well as existing ones, making this book a powerful ally for the new and old Max user.

Out of nearly 900 pages, the first 150 are dedicated to describing what's new in the interface, modeling, materials, animation, and rendering. These sections are designed to bring the experienced 3D Studio Max 3.x user up to speed on what's new in version 4.

The remaining seven parts are project-oriented tutorials designed to teach new and old users how to make the most of 3ds max 4. Beginning with an introduction to project workflow and progressing through modeling, rigging, materials and texture mapping, animation, lighting, and rendering, the book covers practically every feature of 3ds max 4.

The author writes in a clear, confident style, and each chapter is well illustrated with screenshots and sidebars. One change the book could use is a spiral binding so that it could lie flat on a desk. This is arguably one of the best volumes available for learning and using Max 4, so it is likely never to be relegated to the bookshelf. --Mike Caputo