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Please note that older Java books focusing on specific language features, may no longer be relevant (in spite of having a 'Recommended; or 'Highly Recommended' tag) due to the rapid development of Java over the past two years.

Advanced Java Networking by Chris Laffra [Recommended]

Rick Stones writes:
If you are doing, or thinking of doing, some network programming with Java, this book should be on your shelf.

Advanced Java Networking by P Sridhran [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
A well-written and useful book for the developer of real-world networked applications and as a student text to support a networks module where Java is used as the implementation tool. I particularly liked the example re-implementation of each Internet implementation technique.

Advanced Techniques for Java Developers by D. Berg & J. Fritzinger [Highly Recommended]

David M Foulds writes:
It's refreshing to find a book that examines a number of complex techniques within one volume so clearly and effortlessly for the reader.

Client/Server Data Access with Java & XML by D Chang & D Harkey [Recommended]

Aaron Ridout writes:
This is an excellent teaching text, the authors know the subject very well.

Client/Server Programming with Java and CORBA by R Orfali & D Harkey [Recommended]

Rick Stones writes:
At this point I almost put it back on the shelf. I'm glad I didn't.
This is an very well written book, explaining in depth, but with commendable clarity, how to 'do' CORBA with Java.

Complete Java 2 Training Course, The by Deitel & Deitel [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
Over all this is a good package for those that wish to learn Java by themselves...

Computer Graphics for Java Programmers by Leen Ammeraal [Recommended]

Peter Pilgrim writes:
If you like Java and want to learn how to program 3D graphics from first principles then this is the book for you.

Computing Concepts with Java Essentials by Cay Horstmann [Recommended]

Nigel Armstrong writes:
This is the first book on this topic that I can recommend at all, but I am happy to do so wholeheartedly.

Concurrency: State Models & Java Programs by Jeff Magee & Jeff Kramer [Recommended]

Silvia de Beer writes:
I found the book extremely instructive because of the combination of theory and practice.

Concurrent Programming in Java - Design Principles by Doug Lea [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
However it is also a (much) better than average book on the subject of concurrency. The author does not assume you know about the subject in general and merely want to implement it in Java.

Concurrent Programming in Java 2ed by Doug Lea [Highly Recommended]

Ian Bolland writes:
I thought I knew quite a lot about concurrent programming. After reading this book, I now know a lot more.

Concurrent Programming, The Java Programming Language by S Hartley [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
This book seems to be a better than average place to start your study of concurrent programming.

Core Java 1.1 - Volume 1 Fundamentals by C Horstmann & G Cornell [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
An excellent text for the serious programmer showing plenty of good application programs. In particular I was pleased to see applets relegated to where they should be, a special use of the AWT - too many texts treat Java as nothing but applet programming.

Core Java Foundation Classes by K Topley [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
A well-written and organised book dedicated to Swing.

Core SWING Advanced Programming by Kim Topley [Highly Recommended]

Nigel Armstrong writes:
So many questions that I and others of my team had spent days or weeks struggling with, often ending up with a compromise solution, are answered here, plainly and in detail.

Data Structures and Algorithms in Java by M Goodrich & R Tamassia [Recommended]

Burkhard Kloss writes:
Every now and then you come across a book which is a pleasure to review and this is one of them.
...Should you buy this book? If you are a University lecturer looking for a text to teach Data Structures and Algorithms and the course contains Java, then this book is almost certainly for you.

Data Structures and Problem Solving Using Java by Mark Weiss [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
A book well worth considering as the set book for a second level course on data structures

Database Programming with JDBC and Java by George Reese [Recommended]

Roger N Lever writes:
At around two hundred pages it is quite surprising that the author has managed to pack in so much focused information. The clarity and straightforward progression into what is really quite a complex area impressed me.

Developing Java Enterprise Applications by S. Asbury & S. R. Weiner [Recommended]

Steve Cornish writes:
Overall, this is a superb book. Any group thinking of moving to Java server programming should have a copy of this in their office.

Developing Java Software 2ed by Russel Winder & Graham Roberts [Recommended]

James Gordon writes:
I have been looking for a book to teach myself Java for a long time and I think that I have just found it.

Developing Java Software by Russel Winder & Graham Roberts [Highly Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you want to learn to program this is an excellent book as long as you keep in mind that Java is not going to meet all the programming needs of all programmers... Very much recommended. By the way both the authors will be speaking at our conference in September 1998 and on the evidence of this book, both should be well worth listening to.

Developing Java Software by Russell Winder & Graham Roberts [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
A book suitable as a learning text or reference for professional programmers developing large scale applications and as a set teaching text for courses where one is concerned with more than Java programming training...
...Highly recommended!

Developing JavaBeans using VisualAge for Java by Nilsson [Recommended with Reservations]

David M Foulds writes:
I would certainly recommend this book to novice visual programmers.

Developing JavaBeans by R Englander [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
A well written second level text which concentrates on the JavaBeans API; the reader should be a proficient Java programmer.

Developing Professional Java Applets by K C Hopson & S Ingram [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
It is a very impressive book useful to programmers who are going to tackle real world problems rather than implementing a few simple applets...
Highly recommended!!

Enterprise JavaBeans by Richard Monson-Haefel [Recommended]

Steve Cornish writes:
If you want a very clear introduction to EJBs, get this book.

Exploring Java 2nd ed. by Patrick Niemeyer & Joshua Peck [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
I would recommend this book as a first level crash course in OO and Java for readers who have experience of C or C++. It is easy to read and while moving very rapidly provides sufficient detail to enable the reader to gain a good understanding.

How to Program Java by Petter Coffee [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
Clearly this is an introductory book and quite short by today's standard. It is very well written and presented with plenty of clear well-described example programs...
Recommended for complete novices!

Industrial Strength Java for Serious Programmers by Cassady-Dorion [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
The book is well written and presented and I liked the prominence given to design, which is very important for professional programmers.

Java 1.2 and JavaScript for C and C++ Programmers by Daconta & Saganich & Monk & Snyder [Recommended]

Sean Corfield writes:
It covers an extremely broad range of material and, from Chapter Six onwards, is generally good value for money.

Java 2D API Graphics by Vincent Hardy [Recommended]

Peter Pilgrim writes:
...if the GLF excites you then buy this book.

Java 2D Graphics by Jonathan Knudsen [Recommended]

Peter Pilgrim writes:
This is a very rewarding book for the beginner and intermediate computer graphics developer.

Java AWT Reference by J Zukowski [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
Not intended for beginners or the casual programmer but any serious Java developer would require these volumes (or similar) on their shelves.

Java An Object First Approach by Fintan Culwin [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
Professional programmers working with Java and thinking of using UML (or vice versa) would find it very useful. A different approach to Java and certainly worth looking at!

Java Application Programming Interface, Vol 1, The by James Gosling [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you are serious about Java, are already a fluent programmer (not necessarily in Java) and can afford over £70 then these volumes belong on your reference shelf.

Java Application Programming Interface, Vol 2, The by James Gosling [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you are serious about Java, are already a fluent programmer (not necessarily in Java) and can afford over £70 then these volumes belong on your reference shelf.

Java Class Libraries--An Annotated Reference, The by P Chan & R Lee [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
And like a good dictionary you can learn something by browsing it while your development package chews away at your latest product.

Java Cryptography by Jonathan Knudsen [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
An interesting and informative book covering very important issues. Essential reading for programmers (it assumes a working knowledge of Java) implementing Java based software where security is critical.

Java Design Building Better Apps & Applets by Peter Coad & M. Mayfield [Recommended]

Roger N Lever writes:
The book is clear, well laid out and contains plenty of diagrams, explanations and code snippets...
...On balance, for Java, recommended.

Java Design by P Coad & M Mayfield [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
I found this a very interesting, well written and presented book (as one would expect from Peter Coad).
Recommended!

Java Developer's Guide by Jamie Jaworski [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
This is a useful book for experienced programmers who wish to implement real programs...
Highly recommended!

Java Developer's Reference by Mike Cohn [Recommended]

Ruben Galea writes:
I found the material to be most informative. It is surely an ideal candidate as a reference to the serious Java developer.

Java Developers Almanac 1999, The by Patrick Chan [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you are a serious Java developer I think you need this book.

Java Distributed Computing by J Farley [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
A well-written and very interesting advanced Java text (assumes a working knowledge of Java) suitable for system developers or second level network modules.
...Highly recommended!

Java Distributed Computing by Jim Farley [Recommended]

Henrik Quintel writes:
This book is excellent for advanced Java programmers and/or for programmers who have experience with OO-Languages.

Java Enterprise in a Nutshell by David Flanagan & Jim Farley & William Crawford & Kris Magnuson [Recommended]

Steve Cornish writes:
Overall, I was surprised by how well rounded this book was.

Java Essentials for C and C++ Programmers by Barry Boone [Recommended]

Al Lines writes:
A good getting-started book, to get us budding C and C++ programmers up and running.

Java Examples in a Nutshell by D Flanagan [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
A good book which provides plenty of practical real-world examples to support the material in 'Java in a Nutshell' (all code available from WWW). Highly Recommended!

Java Fundamental Classes Reference by Mark Grand & Jonathan Knudsen [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
Not intended for beginners or the casual programmer but any serious Java developer would require these volumes (or similar) on their shelves.

Java GUI Programmers Primer, A by F Culwin [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
An easy to read book recommended for students taking a second level GUI design module where Java is the implementation language (assuming a first level Java programming module). Also suitable for the system implementor building GUIs with Java.

Java Gems (collected and introduced by) by Dwight Deugo [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
I think this is one of those books that you read because you want to think rather than because you want to be told.

Java Gently 2ed by J Bishop [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
Definitely worth considering as a first Java text. Highly recommended!

Java How to Program with an Introduction to J++ by Deitel & Deitel [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
This text would be useful as a learning text where J++ is going to be used either as the learning environment or as a follow on environment after using the JDK....
Highly recommended!

Java How to Program by Deitel & Deitel [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
I found this an excellent book that would be suitable for a first programming course in Java. It would also be suitable as an introductory text on data structures...
Both highly recommended!

Java I/O by Elliotte Rusty Harold [Highly Recommended]

Christer Loefving writes:
So, if you want a fundamental understanding of streams and data communication and/or a deep understanding of the Java I/O-model, don't wait, buy it.

Java Language Reference by Mark Grand [Recommended]

Al Lines writes:
Accordingly this book is not one you will use everyday, but when you want the definitive answer on how the language should be used it is valuable. A good reference to have if you can spare the money.

Java Language Reference by Mark Grand [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
'Java Language Reference' is, in my opinion, as good as The Java Programming Language (Arnold & Gosling). It is also somewhat cheaper.

Java Modeling in Color with UML by Peter Coad [Recommended]

Christer Loefving writes:
No beginners ... for the right person in the right situation, this title is well worth both the time and money spent.

Java Multimedia Cyber Classroom CD-ROM by Deitel & Deitel [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
I found this an excellent book that would be suitable for a first programming course in Java. It would also be suitable as an introductory text on data structures...
Both highly recommended!

Java Native Interface, The by Sheng Liang [Recommended]

Peter Pilgrim writes:
If you are looking for a book to teach you how to achieve that interface between Java and C/C++ ... this is definitely for you.

Java Network Programming by E R Harold [Recommended]

Al Lines writes:
The only downside of the current edition is that it only fully deals with Java 1.0.2, despite what the back cover says. The current Java network reference to compare the others against.

Java Network Programming by Elliotte Rusty Harold [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
This book is useful for both the professional software engineer and students on computer science, IT and engineering courses studying a module on network programming...
Highly recommended!

Java Network Programming by Elliotte Rusty Harold [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you are serious about this aspect of programming, then this should certainly be on your reading list.

Java Network Programming by Merlin Hughes [Recommended]

Roger N Lever writes:
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in starting with Java Network Programming

Java Performance and Scalability Vol 1 by Dov Bulka [Recommended]

Jorg Bauer writes:
I recommend it as a good introduction to performance issues on Java.

Java Power Reference by David Flanagan [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
For its intended audience this is a cost effective solution, though with the way Java has been growing you may need to replace it next year.

Java Programming Basics by Edith Au [Recommended]

Selvyn Wright writes:
This book is an excellent read, well balanced in content and structure... ...If you are an inexperienced Java developer who wants to become an informed user and developer this book should be on your bookshelf.

Java Programming Language 2nd ed., The by Arnold & Gosling [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
This book provides a thorough coverage of Java language basics and the core packages.

Java Programming with CORBA 2ed by Andreas Vogel & Keith Duddy [Recommended]

Burkhard Kloss writes:
You may find that you may later have to buy some more specialised references, but this book is a compelling package to get you started.

Java SIG's 100 Best Applets by unknown [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
Even if you have a full Internet connection this book is probably a cost effective study aid in that you can use it without paying dial-up charges.

Java Security (1.2) by Scott Oaks [Recommended]

Al Lines writes:
Once again another excellent O'Reilly book.

Java Security by Gary McGraw & Edward Felten [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you care about the integrity of your system and have a WWW connection you owe it to yourself to buy and read this book.

Java Servlet Programming by Jason Hunter & William Crawford [Recommended]

Rick Stones writes:
If you develop code behind web servers using some other technology, then go read this book anyway - it might well convince you that Java servlets are a superior solution.

Java Swing by Eckstein & Loy & Wood [Highly Recommended]

Peter Pilgrim writes:
Well done, O'Reilly for yet another winner. Java Swing is the programmer's champion of the late nineteen nineties.

Java Thread Programming by Paul Hyde [Recommended]

Christer Loefving writes:
you get a good tour through the land of Java threads by buying and reading this title.

Java Threads (2nd Edition) by Scott Oaks & Henry Wong [Recommended]

Steve Cornish writes:
This is a good book, and certainly, if you're using threads in Java non-trivially then you should have this book.

Java Threads by S Oaks & H Wong [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
A very useful well-written reference suitable for Java systems developers and as a second level text for students on computing science and IT oriented courses. Highly recommended!

Java Tutorial, The by Mary Campione & Kathy Walrath [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you have some (but not necessarily much) programming background this is a carefully planned course to turn you into a thoughtful Java programmer. About as good as you will get for individual study.

Java for C/C++ Programmers by Michael Daconta [Recommended]

Dave Rutlidge writes:
The book seems to cover the language very thoroughly and is well indexed, making it suitable for use as a reference guide.

Java for Students by D Bell & M Parr [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
This is an easy to read introduction to OO basics and Java suitable for a first programming module...
Highly recommended for students learning Java 1.0!

Java in Practice - Design Styles and Idioms for Effective Java by Nigel Warren & Philip Bishop [Recommended]

Burkhard Kloss writes:
If you are looking for a book to take your Java beyond the basic, this is definitely one worth working through

Java in a Nutshell (2nd Edition) by David Flanagan [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
In summary, as good as the first edition and extended to cover Java 1.1 features. Highly recommended!

Java in a Nutshell (deluxe Edition) by Various [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
This would be suitable for the professional programmer developing real-world systems who needs a portable complete reference to Java. A very useful package which is highly recommended!

Java/C++ Cross-Reference Handbook, The by Frederick F Chew [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
In the meantime if you work in a mixed Java/C++ environment having this book to hand would fairly quickly pay for the cost of purchase.

Just Java (2nd ed) by Peter van der Linden [Highly Recommended]

Rob Henley writes:
In summary, the book provides everything you need to become familiar with Java and is fun to read too! Particularly for C++ programmers, I can't really recommend this book too highly.

Just Java 1.1 and Beyond 3ed by Peter van der Linden [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
The book is an excellent easy to read introduction to Java programming. It does, however, provide very brief coverage of many APIs and the system developer would soon require texts on advanced features.
Highly recommended!

Just Java 1.2 (4th ed) by Peter van der Linden [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
The book is an excellent easy to read introduction to Java and its APIs.

Little Java, A Few Patterns, A by Matthias Felleisen & Daniel Friedman [Recommended with Reservations]

Nigel Armstrong writes:
Recommended with caution only to the thinking OO designer.

Mastering Java 1.1 2nd ed by L Vanhelsuwe [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
Recommended as a book for the beginner and worth considering for the reading list of Java courses.

Not Just Java by Peter van der Linden [Highly Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
I found this a very well written, interesting and informative book. It would be of use to managers and system developers working with Internet technologies and as a text for students studying networks and the Internet. Highly recommended!

Presenting JavaBeans by Michael Morrison [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you want/need to do serious work with Java you need to know about JavaBeans and this book is a good place to start.

Professional Java Server Programming by Various [Recommended]

Roger N Lever writes:
recommended to those who want to understand and use J2EE

Program Development in Java by Barbara Liskov & John Guttag [Recommended]

Silvia de Beer writes:
After studying the first 200 pages of this book you have gained a refreshing understanding of basic principles

Programming Mobile Objects with Java by Jeff Nelson [Recommended]

Nigel Armstrong writes:
Highly recommended, as long as you ignore his dodgy ideas on the purpose of access modifiers.

Programming with the Java Media Framework by Sean Sullivan [Recommended]

Peter Pilgrim writes:
This is book for expert Java developers who want to develop applications or applets that exploit multimedia in Java.

SQL Database Programming with Java by Bill McCarty [Recommended]

Ian Cargill writes:
The book is quite clearly set out and I could recommend it as a starting point for anyone wanting to start programming in Java for SQL databases.

Schaum's Outlines Essential Computer Mathematics by Seymour Lipschutz [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
I was very happy to find that the C++ book and the Essential Computer Mathematics books were much more what I expect from a Schaum Outline.

Schaum's Outlines Fundamentals of Computing with C++ by John Hubbard [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
I was very happy to find that the C++ book and the Essential Computer Mathematics books were much more what I expect from a Schaum Outline.

Special Edition Using Java 1.1 (3ed) by Joseph Weber [Recommended]

Roger N Lever writes:
Que books have produced another excellent book which is expensive but offers the novice Java programmer everything they need to know to build a firm foundation of Java knowledge.

Swing by Matthew Robinson & Pavel Vorobiev [Highly Recommended]

Peter Pilgrim writes:
I think you will find that it hits and hits its target audience and goals repeatedly.

Talk Java to Me by Harry McIntosh [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
This publication is a worthy attempt at making use of modern multimedia facilities. The price is surprisingly reasonable for such an innovative product.

Understanding Object-Oriented Programming with Java by Budd [Recommended]

Bryan Scattergood writes:
You will need a reference manual as well, but this book deserves a place on your shelves, especially if you are finding that understanding the concepts is the hardest part of learning OO.

Understanding Object-Oriented Programming with Java by Timothy Budd [Recommended]

Colin Harkness writes:
Difficult ideas like composition vs. inheritance, overloading vs. overriding and various design patterns are very well explained.
I found this book easy to read and understand. (In comparison, I never did finish Booch's book.) Its slim dimensions (367 pages) are a definite advantage.

Up to Speed with Swing by Steven Gutz [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
Clearly Swing is a major advance on the AWT and very important for professional system developers. This book presents a through introduction and reference to Swing (why to use it, how to use it, how to optimise it, etc.). The explanations are clear and concise and there are plenty of sample programs (available from a web site). Recommended for the professional developer and as a student text in an HCI module.

Using Java 1.2 by Mike Morgan [Recommended]

Mark Kuschnir writes:
This book was a refreshing change from much of the drivel written about Java.

Please note that opinions are those of the individual reviewers.