LaTeX: A Document Preparation System

I started using LaTeX (and TeX) over 15 years ago. I was dissatisfied with the way that Word handled equations (it didn't then) and sought software that would typeset my technical text and mathematics well. A friend and colleague introduced me to LaTeX. I bought a copy of Lamport's book, a PC port of the software, and started using LaTeX to set my work. I've been using LaTeX ever since. I use it for everything I write, with the exception of a few works that require me to use Word, either because my colleagues use it or the research sponsor requires it. Recently, one of my principal research sponsors began accepting PDF format reports, so I may escape one more instance of using Word. That pleases me. But, I digress. LaTeX is a set of macros (programs) that implement a variety of styles in the TeX language. Use of LaTeX is through a number of mark-up commands (in the same fashion that web documents are set with HTML mark-up) that are applied to textual elements of a document. Most of your LaTeX documents comprise your text. A small amount of text will be allocated to LaTeX mark-up. This book provides the necessary instruction for learning to use LaTeX. It is written for technical users, but not computer experts. That is, Lamport expects the users of the software to have a technical background because that's the goal of the software -- to set technical documents. But he doesn't expect the reader to be a computer expert. The book is manageable in length too. It is not so long as to require multiple sittings to work through it. Once familiar with the content, it is fairly easy to find what you are looking for in the text. The index is complete and useful. When using Lamport, I'm reminded of Kernighan and Ritchie (The C Programming Language) -- Lamport has a similar kind of easy flow to the text. While the material is not easy, Lamport's book does a good job of conveying use of a highly technical piece of software in a readable fashion. If you are going to use LaTeX, you will want a copy of this book. You will also want a copy of Mittelbach and others LaTeX Companion (2nd edition) to help use the plethora of add-on packages available for LaTeX. So, download a install of TeX (and LaTeX -- Google the TeX User's Group) for your computer, buy a copy of Lamport (and Mittelbach and others), read through Lamport, and start playing with LaTeX. If you write technical documents that require mathematics, you'll find LaTeX very useful. When you find yourself writing longer documents, the ability to automatically generate tables of contents, lists of figures and tables, bibliographies, and indices will make the software all the more valuable and the time invested learning to use it well-spent. Welcome to the world of LaTeX. Don't forget to join the TeX User's Group and support development of the software!

...beautifully written books that explain the structure and function so well, in a concise way. One realizes that when the content is written by a true thinker - like Mr. Lamport - the clarity shines through. This book is on the lines of C by K&R. I wish there were more books written in this manner.

Though I have read a fair number of LaTeX books, some of which are superb, I think that this relatively short book by the original author of LaTeX is still the most essential reference (and the first two chapters are still the best "getting started" guide). If you are new to LaTeX this is definitely the place to start, but it has much to offer long-time users, as well. One of the benefits of writing documents in LaTeX (and directly in TeX) is that the investment in learning the tool pays off across decades. My copy has a copyright date of 1994 and a printing date of 1996, and is still entirely relevant in 2017. For very casual users of LaTeX, this book combined with the excellent documentation that comes with LaTeX itself may be all that you ever need to use the system comfortably. However, I suspect most users would want to supplement that material with The LaTeX Companion by Mittelback and Goossens (isbn: 0201362996) and The Guide to LaTeX by Kipka and Daly (isbn: 0-321-17385-6).

I purchased a used copy of this book from Thriftbooks at about $ 6 which is far lower than the price of a new book. The book was delivered in 3-4 days, and it was in an EXCELLENT condition. No torn pages, no scribbles nothing. This is the 1st time I have purchased a used book and am very pleased with this experience. It's a very good option to buy such books which don't age with editions, at a very reasonable price. Skimmed thru the contents, and like all other reviews, this is certainly a good book, covering lots of useful material about Latex. I also purchased a used copy of LaTeX Companion by Mittelbach & Goossens (from another source), and that too came in a very good condition. Lamport's book is, of course, a classic, like K&R's book on C. I learnt a lot just reading through (as this book suggests) going thru chaps 2 & 3. I can't wait to get back to my LaTeX Project. Keep up this exchange of good quality used books thru Amazon! It's quite a steal. Great service by Thriftbooks for sourcing this excellent copy of a used book. Highly recommended provider!

So when I first purchased this item this book was missing pages 17-48. Amazon was kind enough to respond by email within 12 hours and create a one day shipping order to replace the book. When I got the new book it had pages 17-48 twice! Now this could be a low probabilistic coincidence or the factory that manufactured the set of books Amazon received had a problem with when assembling the book. Either way, having the pages twice is better than having them zero times. As far as the book goes it seems like a fairly well written book (although I must admit I have not read much into it). I have seen many of the complains people have written and I personally think they purchased the wrong book. This seems like a very nice introductory text for those who have no experience (or very little) with LaTeX. If you're looking for a more in depth coverage - obviously this is not the text you're looking for. You get what you pay for.

Just as described. Great condition!

Very good book! I love it! Very useful for my research work! Just as what I expected and as it was described!

Latex: a document preparation system was stolen in a burglary, along with my laptop. Not having this book makes writing papers a lot harder to get right. Mainly reference to remind me how things are done; but necessary to prepare well laid out and attractive papers. The content is solely my problem. Indispensible.

Il libro è arrivato anche prima del previsto. È un vecchio libro ma è sempre una buona base per imparare. Consiglio a tutti gli appassionati di LaTeX.

no one should buy it again, very poor quality.

O livro é de péssima qualidade, acredito que sejam imagens por escaneamento e, sobretudo, estão viradas.