Rating: 
Summary: I read every page!
Review: As a new user to 3d Studio Max, I had previously purchased 3d Studio Max Workshop and made it half way through the book but lost interest since I found the workshop model that you follow through the entire book to be completely uninspiring for me despite the positive reviews of that book. After a few days of not wanting to open Max on my pc and feeling pretty defeated, I borrowed Harnessing 3d Studio Max 3 from a friend and now don't want to return it. The book must be read from the beginning to the end since the tutorials build from previous chapters. I savored every word and found there was a tutorial every 2-3 pages. I loved the book and now after 800 pages feel like I can move around Max with some confidence and am better able to look for more advanced books that will focus on specifically what I want to accomplish with Max. The book is written as though it's a course book for teaching Max to students. The book's forward says there is a companion workbook you can order through AutoDesk Press that expands on the chapter tutorials. I would definitely would like that. It is definitely a beginners book but if you have been frustrated with Max and are willing to spend some time with a 800 page book I would definitely recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Can't do without it!
Review: Being a first time user of 3D Studio I have found this book invaluable in getting started. The book itself is well laid out starting with the basics and evolving slowly into more complex applications of 3D Studio.I highly recommend this book to people who are just starting out with 3D Studio as it is easy to read (no big complex explanations), easy to follow step-by-step directions and comes with a comprehensive add-on CD. A definite must read if you want to learn 3D Studio
Rating:
Summary: Can't do without it!
Review: Being a first time user of 3D Studio I have found this book invaluable in getting started. The book itself is well laid out starting with the basics and evolving slowly into more complex applications of 3D Studio. I highly recommend this book to people who are just starting out with 3D Studio as it is easy to read (no big complex explanations), easy to follow step-by-step directions and comes with a comprehensive add-on CD. A definite must read if you want to learn 3D Studio
Rating:
Summary: If you want to learn 3D Studio Max, get ready to take off...
Review: I admit that I am not the worlds best in 3DS Max. I have tried NUMEROUS books and found little use, some assumed you were an overall expert or a total [beginner]. This book, by far, teaches in high detail step-for-step on how to surpass the learning curve and get into a comfort zone using 3D Studio Max. NEVER have I read a book that takes you from the beginner level to the semi-advanced level with so much detail and explanation. The author, Michele Bousquet, seems to have much experience in teaching this software because I was able to follow the tutorials and feel confident in doing so. I hope she writes another book for 3DS Max 4.
Rating:
Summary: Teaching Assistant Supreme
Review: I am a professor of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute, and teach 3D Studio along side a CAD program for product development and visualization. It is impossible in this curriculum to teach 3D Studio in a comprehensive manner. I have been using Harnessing 3d Studio Max to enhance my teaching and allow the interested student to learn beyond the course work. I have found this book to be an excellent self-teaching book, written in an easy to follow language, with appropriate examples and step-by-step construction techniques. A thorough contents page allows you to find previously read sections, making this book a frequent reference. Michelle writes in a human voice, anticipating the many questions of the new user. I have enjoyed the book to further my own understanding of the program and to learn techniques that have previously escaped me. I recommend this text to anyone learning 3D Studio Max on their own.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book For Beginners
Review: I found the book to be a great learning tool for beginners. I have read other books that have you doing particle systems by the middle of the first chapter which can be confusing to novices. The book goes in a very logical manner the goes with the normal workflow you go through to create a 3D scene. The examples are easy to understand and actually work! This book may be a little basic for advanced users but there are things that everyone can learn from in the book.
Rating:
Summary: Finally broke through the "beginner's barrier".
Review: I had attempted to learn 3DS on my own for a few years with no luck. I was about to give up after purchasing several books and finding them incomprehensible. Then I found "Harnessing 3d Studio Max", it helped me see the light for the first time. Thanks Michele!!
Rating:
Summary: Michele scores another one!
Review: I've been looking for an informative, yet inexpensive book that can be used in both begining and advanced levels of instruction. This book is an EXCELLENT introductory book that is easy to follow. The tutorials WORK for beginners! I can't say that about many of the other Max books out there. The book also provides my secondary students with an excellent resource for procedures once learned and momentarily forgotten. This wealth of information combined with an affordable price make this book a must have for new Max users! I'll be using it in all the Max classes I teach.
Rating: 
Summary: Not worth its prize ...
Review: If you are all but a total novice and have been even superficially introduced to 3DMAX ( no matter which relase ) this book is not for you. It is obvious even at the first glimpse at the book that it's not going to bring on any novelty to the non-beginner ... And the inadequacy of its description ( both on the back cover and online ) is just a scandal. As an advanced user I was attracted by the internet reviews but I have to say that after having read the book I found it of a really poor quality and the only part that was new to me was just a couple of pages on f/x. I would never recommend this book to anyone including the beginners for whom I'd find better books to start with. DON'T BUY IT AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY MISTAKE !!!
Rating:
Summary: Great for 3d newcomers
Review: Just learning 3d Studio Max? Michele's book is for you! Easy to read, thorough, a great foundation for understanding a quite complex program.
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