Java Collections is the most relevant and well-organized Java book I have read. There is a lot of detail provided, but not so much that it's painful to read. No space is wasted rehashing language basics. Fine distinctions between similar methods in the API are spelled out, and there are lots of examples given in good practice for the use of the API.
The code snippets are clear and very illustrative in almost every case. Take the time to read the Historical Collection part, because there are a few meaty little tidbits in here that even the pros may have missed.
This is not a monument to the author's arcane Java knowledge, unlike other advanced texts. If you are planning to use the collections API professionally, do yourself a favor and read this book!
(Bodie Minister - Bartender, November 2001)
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