Computer Graphics, C Version (2nd Edition) [Hardcover]

Donald Hearn (Author), M. Pauline Baker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 24, 1996

For junior- to graduate-level courses in computer graphics. Also, widely used for professional self-study. Reflecting the rapid expansion of the use of computer graphics and of C as a programming language of choice for implementation, this new version of the best-selling Hearn and Baker text converts all programming code into the C language. Assuming the reader has no prior familiarity with computer graphics, the authors present basic principles for design, use, and understanding of computer graphics systems. The authors are widely considered authorities in computer graphics, and are known for their accessible writing style. A free Open GL supplement is available via the texts Prentice Hall Catalog page.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Reflecting the rapid expansion of the use of computer graphics and of C as a programming language of choice for implementation, this new version of the best-selling Hearn and Baker text converts all programming code into the C language. Assuming the reader has no prior familiarity with computer graphics, the authors present basic principles for design, use, and understanding of computer graphics systems. The authors are widely considered authorities in computer graphics, and are known for their accessible writing style.

From the Back Cover

This timely new version of a popular computer graphics book features the C language in programming examples to demonstrate the implementation of graphics application. These well-known authors assume no prior knowledge of computer graphics when presenting the basic principles for the design, use, and understanding of computer graphics systems. However, some knowledge of C programming is assumed as the reader learns how to use algorithms for creating and manipulating graphics displays.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 652 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 2 Sub edition (May 24, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0135309247
• ISBN-13: 978-0135309247
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,833,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good if you have a strong math background, October 10, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (São Paulo, Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Computer Graphics, C Version (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

This book really shouldn't be a "C version" for it contains very few C example codes, concentrating mostly on the maths side of CG. It also isn't a book for someone who doesn't have a strong mathematical background, it does not explan why something is that way or anything, it just puts the formulas there and a brief explanation of everything. It's not a book to be used as your only reference, and the Appendix on maths background is not very explaining unless you already know all that(making it useless).

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, July 9, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Computer Graphics, C Version (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

Let's face it, learning 3D graphics takes effort. I have read most of Hill(falls short of the mark) and all of both of Angel's books (excellent for OpenGL). Hearn and Baker do an excellent job of explaining difficult 3D concepts. The examples are clear, the C code is very useful, and the diagrams are most helpful. The book is well-written, concise, and thorough. Compared to other books, this one does not gloss over details... yes, effort is required, but the explanations are as straightforward in this book as you will find anywhere. I get lost in Foley, there's just too much detail. I get lost in Hill, as he touches on scores of "thoughts" and ends up losing sight of the basic concepts. Hearn and Baker just get right down to the business of teaching and explaining a conceptually tough subject, thoroughly, succinctly, and completely. No, they are not going to make you a graphics programmer without effort on your part, but no one will.This book is the best I've seen for achieving an understanding of the basics. If you're doing OpenGL, combine Hearn and Baker with Angel's books and you'll be off and running.
I wish I could give this one 8 stars!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Concepts need more explanation, June 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Computer Graphics, C Version (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

The book is very accurate but tries to explain everything mathematically. First you need to make clear what you need to do and then things can be formalized to equations. But in this book you give the equations a run with your own imaginary numbers and than you understand the concept. If you are willing to work out things on paper with your imagination and the details given in the book you will understand the book but that is very time consuming and of course after all that you will not give the book its due credit.
Otherwise a good book. Accurate and to the point.