definitive guide to the language, but not for beginners

As a language reference, I highly recommend this book. Every language feature is Explained, with illustrative code snippets. Aside from the section on the standard library, this book Improves on the previous edition by Incorporating more material on designing using C ++. This is significant: because a major stumbling block to using C ++ well is knowing When and where to use a language feature.
Another major improvement is the section on 'advice' which finden Sie at the end of every chapter. This portion summarizes what the chapter what trying to teach, with pointers to the relevant part of the book.
As a tutorial for the beginner, I suggest you look elsewhere. The book is not easy to read, since the author tries to explain so much in so little space (if you can call 900 pages 'little').
You will probably read this book more than TWICE. First, to simply try out the language on your compiler (sit in front of your computer when you do). Second, to digest the material on designing using C ++ (try doing this away from your computer). Third, to see if you missed out anything significant. You will.