Description:
Some books brag that they are "complete," while others claim to be the "bible" of an application. The title of Inside 3D Studio Max suggests something more like an invitation to a quiet talk. What you realize after a few minutes of reading, however, is that you are in the presence of a humble god who completely knows the subject matter at hand. The book was written by eight top Max users and authors, and was compiled by Phillip Miller, the product manager of 3D Studio Max since its inception. There are few (if any) features that aren't covered. The book doesn't go into detail on creative technique or application, but explains the features of the program by using examples of when and when not to use them. Broken down into six main sections, Inside 3D Studio Max 3 starts with 3D graphics and program and interface basics; works its way through project preparation, modeling, texturing, shading and lighting, and animation; and concludes with rendering and post-production issues. Each of the 27 chapters concludes with a set of tips and an In Practice list, citing issues of a specific feature set (in which the features work well), ideas for application, and when not to use them. For example, the wrap-up at the end of the chapter on animating with inverse kinematics describes (IK) the difference between animating with IK and with a Bones system, and includes some tips on using Bones (binding end effectors to dummy objects). Inside 3D Studio Max is a huge volume (over 1,300 pages long), and densely packed with just about everything a student of Max needs or wants to know. The beginner will find it daunting, but useful; the intermediate user will find clarification; and the power user will make the most of the tome as a reference, looking things up and finding things out on an as-needed basis. This is a handy, if hefty, resource. --Mike Caputo
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