I've read it a long time ago, and while it doesn't contain anything that will change your mind, it's a concise coverage of all the important topics in a single and easy to digest package.
I feel that it gives solid foundations to start learning and build upon. I've read it and recommended it to a lot of people
Yes, it consolidates a ton of information very well. I think it can appeal both to the beginner/layperson as introductory, or to those with more experience to put lots of pieces together. I didn’t learn much new information but it tied together many things, and just reviewing and recalling old theory felt like a good exercise.
The first part is all about logic and it tells you everything you need to know. You have to approach it like reading a big academic paper though. It’s not like you’ll be flipping through the pages rapidly but it is definitely understandable. Can’t comment on later parts because I stopped reading. I might start again one day though. I quite liked it.
I think your intro about covers it, it's a great intro book, not an exhaustive compendium. I certainly found it useful for my mental modelling and world views. YMMV!
I really like it because it covers just enough on a number of topics and ties them together. There are many books which can allow you to delve further into specific subjects.
If what you mean by “am I missing anything?” is “am I missing out [if I haven’t/won’t read it]?”, then possibly, yes. The concepts are timeless, and depending on what you already know, you may learn something useful, or at the very least something stimulating.
I read the first edition way back when, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I feel that it gives solid foundations to start learning and build upon. I've read it and recommended it to a lot of people
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