I have both and use both. I use JSF in Action to see how to do things in real life (sort of) and I use Core JSF for more of a reference guide to the API and Spec.
Well I am new to JSF too and I bought JavaServer Faces in Action. The first 276 pages are really good information but don't do much for teaching you JSF. At least for me. Once you get to page 277, there begins the case study where the author finally gets around to doing a project.
I just don't learn very well by seeing an excerpt from an XML file followed by 20 pages of commentary. I am much more of a hands-on learner so the case study was much more effective. I'll probably go back to the beginning once I am finished and have a greater appreciation for those first 296 pages. I just think they got that backwards.
I have both books as well, however, I find Core Java Server Faces to be a better introductory book. I was so impressed with the book that I ended up buying both Core Java I and Core Java II (co written by one of the authors of Core Java Server Faces).
Gambatte kudasai.
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