You want to learn C ++? really understand it? Well "The C ++ Programming Language" is a MUST. I must warn you, it's not easy and I will probably not recommend it as a first book in C ++, Especially if it your first programming book. (If it's your case I will recommand C ++ Primer - the best textbook in my opinion). "The C ++ Programming Language" is Mainly a C ++ syntax book, but it so full of precious chapters and paragraphes about how C ++ is ment to be used, and the ideas behind it. I am in my 3rd year of learning C ++ (yes it's takes time to know C ++, really know it) and still reading it again and again, and every time I find more and more useful things and important guidelines. The book is a starting point for all aspect of C ++, and I mean all read it and you know what you want to know more about, and then go ahead in the long journy of learning C ++ -. ENJOY