ISBN0618606246

As an instructor at a small college, I am called on to teach nearly every course in the math and computer science departments. Therefore, my reasons for examining this book were to determine the suitability as a text for our calculus courses. In that regard, I found it suitable for a two-course sequence in beginning calculus.
Compared to nearly all other texts, it is quite short, on the order of 500 pages. Therefore, it does not contain enough material for a three-course sequence. The coverage is basic differentiation and integration with a final section that is an introduction to differential equations. Exercises with solutions to odd-numbered ones are included. The following is a list of positive features of this book:

*) Very little time is spent in the review of precalculus topics. In my opinion, using a lot of ink to review mathematical basics is a waste of ink. If the students don't have it by now, they shouldn't be in the course.
*) Very little time is spent in "using technology" sections. Some books try to do the Mathematica, Maple and Excel triad, showing how to solve problems using all three. While I recognize the value of technology, I also know that learning the concepts of calculus is challenging enough without throwing in the technology. If you know the calculus concepts, learning the technology is easy, but if you don't know the calculus, then the technology is of little value.
*) Proofs of selected theorems are included in an appendix. This allows instructors to pick and choose which proofs to cover and which to leave out. One criticism I have leveled against other calculus books is that proofs of the major concepts are not included. My approach is that while not all proofs should be examined, there are times when a proof should be presented and thoroughly dissected. Even though many of the calculus students will not go on in math, calculus is still a math course and math is based on proofs.
*) Several worked examples are included when every new concept is introduced.

At this point, I consider this the best calculus text available if all you are interested in is a book for a two-course sequence. However, if you would prefer one text for the standard three-course sequence, then you will have to look elsewhere.

This book is no where near a book which intends to teach calculus. It is rather like when your grandma' talks about her past. "Oh good times.."

Do not expect to be shown any rigorous proofs or see any logical strength in this book what so ever. What it will do, however, is just show you a few pictures and formulas. No detailed explanations, No sense of enthusiasm for the beauty of the mathematical content, No sense of style or logical path for you to follow. I do guarantee that not only you won't enjoy this book, you will hate it for its indifference.

If you have some better book (an example would be calculus by James Stewart) you will clearly see the illness in this book's logic. Topics are introduced as though they were by a tired old man who hates calculus. This is integral, this is what it looks like. Now example and here is the formula for you to use, plug in these numbers. It is rather disgusting what they have done to mathematics.

I do not recommend this weak book on such strong subject. Please do research for yourself and find a better book with more quality. Like I said above, better book (in my personal opinion) is the fifth edition of Calculus by James Stewart. I'm sure there are even better books than that, too. So don't waste your time with this one.

I ordered the book a late Tuesday night and I received it Friday afternoon with expediated services. The exchange of the book and money went extremely well. Book Kube was very helpful and nice in sending me an e-mail about when the book was shipped, by what company and about when he thought it would arrive. Overall, I would work with Bookkube again and purchase items from Amazon.com!!!!!!