This new addition to the growing library of Flash instruction books gives readers a solid base in this popular and increasingly necessary Web development application. The book promises a foundation that"s both accessible, meaning that you won"t be daunted by ActionScript or any of the other topics, and extensible, meaning that you"ll find it easy to add to your knowledge after you"ve finished the book. Foundation successfully avoids the trap, so common in other instruction books, of an all-encompassing but shallow overview. It successfully performs an in-depth treatment of the more essential aspects of using Flash. At the end, you might not know every menu option, but you"ll be able to construct your own Flash Web site. The book uses one case study project: a Web site interface with animated buttons, soundtrack, and Flash-enabled content. Small-scale lessons within chapters and application of these lessons to the larger-scale project help reinforce the material (support files for the case study can be downloaded from www.friendsofed.com). The writing follows a narrative style (longer paragraphs both before and within the numbered steps), and manages to be just the right amounts of casual and friendly. Personal anecdotes, when they occur, actually enhance the lessons. Although this style makes hopping around the book and troubleshooting specific problems more difficult, the payoff for reading in a linear, cumulative fashion is a better handle on the pros and cons of Flash"s core features. Another plus is that readers can follow along, even if they"re not sitting at the computer. (Learn Flash on the subway! Why not?) Throughout the book, the authors often point out alternative methods and uses for features, too, which encourages creative thinking on how to apply the lessons to your own projects. First-time users of Flash, as well as experienced users who have put off trying scripting, will find this book a good place to start. --Angelynn Grant Topics covered: Step-by-step instruction of Flash 5, using a Web site interface case study. Lessons include: The authoring environment Toolbox Symbols and libraries Managing content on the stage with rulers, guides, grids, and so on Working with color, bitmap graphics, and typefaces Tweening Masks Actions Beginning and intermediate ActionScript Sound Optimizing and publishing Principles of good site design