When simple 3D models aren’t enough--when you want to put hair on your character’s chest, add soft-body dynamics, include particle effects, and more--NewTek’s 3D powerhouse LightWave 8 is the software you need. Instead of lengthy tutorials, you’ll find task-based, step-by-step instruction and concise explanations that lets you get down to the serious business of creating 3D graphics and animation with a minimum amount of fuss and a maximum amount of enjoyment. If you’re an advanced user, you’ll be able to go straight to the new features that interest you most: workflow and user interface enhancements, improved character-animation tools, tighter integration with other production tools and third-party add-ons, and more. And if you’re new to LightWave, you’ll be able to get your feet wet without being intimidated. With plenty of visual aids and tips to ease the way, you’ll soon find yourself creating animations, working with vertex maps, editing geometry, rendering projects, and more.

My Lightwave 8 Bible.

I only just got this book today and I have to say that I totally disagree with the other review. It’s my first Lightwave book and it’s already greatly improved my knowledge of the programme.

The language is easy to understand, there are plenty of pictures (nearly in black and white, but some of them are supplemented with a colour version online) and all elements of the programme are introduced progressively, so you can start from the first page and work your way through it if you’re new to the program.

I can see it being a pretty good reference if you’re already fairly well clued up on Lightwave 8, as everything’s indexed clearly and is made to cater for both "Beginning" and "Intermediate" users.

I recommend this book to anyone who does not consider themselves a Lightwave 8 expert, whether they’ve never used the program before, or are looking to supplement/refresh what they already know.

Good refference book but not a guide

Although this book is an excellent refference tool, it was not what I expected. If you know what you want to do, you will find out how to in this book but as this was the first book I bought on lightwave, I didn't find it much use.

Don't buy this book if you are looking for a beginners guide, it's more like a manual.

Good refference book but not a guide

Although this book is an excellent refference tool, it was not what I expected. If you know what you want to do, you will find out how to in this book but as this was the first book I bought on lightwave, I didn't find it much use.

Don't buy this book if you are looking for a beginners guide, it's more like a manual.

Exactly what I was expecting from a peachpit book.

Let me start off by saying that there is no quick way to learn Lightwave. I have been using lightwave for more than two years and i finally feel like I have explored all of the program. The fastest way to learn 3D is by following online project tutorials. Having this book around is a nice little reference for beginners. I would not suggest it for the intermediate or advanced user since it just covers the basics.

There might be useful information hidden in here some place

I am fairly new to 3d, and brand new to Lightwave. I am not new to computer art nor technical books.
I bought this book hoping to learn how to better use my new toy, and I am very disappointed. Not in Lightwave, but in this book.

The back cover says "need to learn lightwave fast" it should have continued "get a different book". Simply put, I’ve gotten free tutorials on the web that were more informative, more helpful and infinately more readable. For example, the first 42 pages are a recitation of what buttons there are without any context on why I want to know this. Nor any thing to do with said buttons and menus. A droneing list of pointless details and useless items that is really beyond description for dullness. There is a menu called ’x’. There is a button called ’y’. This continues for 42 pages, and is the introduction to the book; this is just strange. This is the sort of pointless writing that children engage in when trying to pad their homework to the required number of words engage in; it is the most useless introduction I have read in 25 years of reading these sorts of technical books.

Layout (chapter organization, topic selection, chapter order): F- (Is there a grade worse then F?)
indexing: C- (bad, but just barely passable)
Writing: D (Very bad. Reading this is like listening to a monotone lecturer reading his or her notes rather then speaking)

Over all useabiltiy: F

I wasted my money on this one, and am back here looking for another. Before you buy this book, check it out from the library or something. There may be useful reference material for intermediate users of Lightwave hidden in here, but beginners should look else where. The very bad writing, and worse organization has me kicking myself for this purchase.