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Introduction to Computer Graphics by Foley & van Dam Recommended

ISBN: 0-201-60921-5       Publisher: Addison-Wesley       Pages: 557pp       Price: £24-95

Categories:   graphics

Reviewed by Chris Hills in C Vu 6-6 (Sep 1994)

This book covers 2D and 3D graphics, basic raster techniques for 2D, graphics hardware, geometrical transforms, 3D viewing, representations of curves, solid modelling, colour, rendering and visible surface algorithms, including ray tracing and radiosity methods.

As a graphics novice myself I found I was able to follow the text, even if I did have to think twice about some of the maths! (My maths stopped at O level 20 years ago.) I felt that whilst I may not be able to reproduce all the colour plates in the book (many show special effects from well known films) I could see how they were done.

Whilst there are plenty of diagrams and snippets of source code this is a solid book with lots of text. It is a hardback and has 50 full colour plates.

One item that surprised me is the inclusion of interaction methods. Menus, dialogue boxes, rubber banding, etc. Even voice control and virtual reality hardware are mentioned in passing!

To get the best out of the book one will need the SPHIGS and SRPG graphics packages. PHIGS is an ANSI graphics standard of which there are many implementations. Some cost as much as £1500. Yes, over one thousand pounds!

If one phones Addison Wesley UK on 0734 794000 (this number should have been in the book really) they will sell (or supply free to academics adopting the book) a simplified version of both PHIGS and RPG for Windows or the Mac for £11.95 (4-6 weeks delivery). Otherwise it is $14.95 from the USA. Information on UNIX and Xwindows versions can be obtained via ftp.

Having discussed PHIGS with various commercial programmers (they had varying views on PHIGS) all agreed that at £12 it was a bargain. So I am not going to complain at having to buy a disc in addition to the book on this occasion.

In conclusion this is a good book. For a total cost of £36.90 one will have a complete introduction to graphics. It is a great deal better than other graphics books I have seen recently and could be used (as intended) as a student course book, recommended.