.Net Framework Standard Library Annotated Reference: Base Class Library and Extended Numerics Library [With CDROM]

Out of all of the technical books I own, this book is by far one of the best. It covers most of the areas .NET developers will encounter during development. It clearly tells you the information in a easy to understand focused manner.

The other reviewers didn't left too much to say. So I'll remember a credit card TV ad: SLAR volume 1: $42.89 Shipping & Handling: $12.98 Having BCL authors commenting on types, design decisions, dos and don'ts: priceless. You can find references about the BCL on innumerous places. For an insiders perspective, SLAR.

Looking for a handy reference for the .NET Framework classes? If you are looking for a handy reference style book for the .NET Framework BCL (Base Class Library) then look no further. This book is packed to the brim with information, code samples and other goodies. Of coarse you can find this sort of information on MSDN, but wouldn't it be nice to have a well laid out hard-copy on your desk? This book comes with a couple of really handy tools. First, you get a pretty handy .NET Framework map, which is a pretty large poster that maps out the BCL nicely. Also, you get a really nice CD which includes a .pdf file with almost 4000 pages (it's like a super-detailed version of the book). That's not it - the CD also has a HUGE library of code samples. The CD alone is worth the price in my opinion. I am very happy with this purchase, I only wish I would have bought it sooner. I am very much looking forward to the next volume!

Having been an avid reader of Brad Abrams blog (http://blogs.msdn.com/brada) for a year and a half, I was eagerly anticipating this book from the moment it was announced; it didn't disappoint. The SLAR provides an extensive description and example of each type, as well as comments from the likes of Anders Hejlsberg, Kit George, Jeffrey Richter and Brad Abrams himself. These comments provide hints and clues into the inner workings of the Base Class Library (BCL) types and why Microsoft chose to implement types in certain ways. This book was an interesting read and like Sean below, I am also left wanting more. However, with Volume 2 on the horizon, I enthusiastically wait...

This book is extremely insightful and interesting. Not only is there great information and example code (both within the book and on CD), you get to read comments from the designers of the BCL object model. Comments from the designers include: how to use, how not to use, what could have been implemented better, and other useful information. I was extremely impressed and the only downside is that now I'm left with wanting more volumes! Hopefully more of these annotated references will become available for .NET Framework classes outside of the BCL.