When I first bought this book I liked it because it started out concentrating on what I know, code. As I read it I will admit that I became disappointed because it seemed to skim over what I felt needed to learn and I wasn't happy with the XAML section simply because I was given to understand that XAML was the new way to do everything and once again I thought that the detail was missing.

Now however I am of the opinion that the approach of the book is just right, While working on a WPF charting control I discovered that despite the hype of XAML, code and the classical programming methods are still important and it doesn't matter how hard you try, you can't do it all in XAML.

Charles Petzold is the archetypal Windows author and a talented creative writer so the book is one of those that you really can read cover to cover, which is not something that can be said for all technical books.

I definitely recommend this book to the beginner but don't look at it as the definitive work or all you need. WPF is a huge subject domain and the learning curve is steep so by all means make this a part of your library but get it some friends to keep it company.

This is a beginners WPF book. Adam Nathan's work is solid, easy to read and the layout of the Unleashed series makes for a book that can be used as a reference as well as for educational purposes. I also love this book because every page is in colour. The syntax highlighting of the code is carried into the page so that when I read the code, I see exactly what the IDE wants me to see.

Unfortunately this book will not satisfy the needs of the serious professional developer who needs a definitive reference but, to be honest, only MSDN can do that these days.

If you're an experienced C# developer with a desire to understand this new programming model then you won't go wrong with this book. It was my constant companion for about three weeks while I mulled the principles over.

Programming WPF, Chris Sells and Ian Griffiths.

What can I say about this book? If you know Chris Sells and Ian Griffiths you will already have an idea of the quality of information that the book delivers. I've known Chris for many years and I've seen him speak on numerous occasions. His double acts with Don Box are legendary and the way he delivers information is as good in written form as it is live. I saw Ian speak a few times over the last year or so and his communication skills are phenomenal also.

If you don't buy any other WPF book get this one. Explanations, examples and clarity of vision makes this the definitive work for any newcomer to WPF.

Chris was one of the architects of WPF and this enables him to deliver some fascinating insight into the whys and wherefores of this new system.

The thing I really like about this book is the explanations of the thinking behind many of the more difficult to grasp concepts. WPF is a huge change from the run-of-the-mill Windows programming model so to understand the reasons why things were done a certain way is, well, essential.

The approach to the system is informative and pragmatic. You can't go wrong if this book is on your shelves or, more likely, open on the desk beside your keyboard.