This book is not just another SQL text. The authors use of simple yet clear examples to illustrate difficult concepts throughout the text makes this a perfect book for use in an introductory database systems class as a supplement or as an introductory reference for the novice practitioner.
Paul Fortier, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

The book lives up to its title: it is a very practical guide. The authors clearly know their SQL and manage to write about the language in a step-by-step style that progresses smoothly from the simple to the more difficult aspects of the language.
Jim Melton, Oracle Corporation

This books authors recognize the vast majority of work done with a database is data retrieval (rather than storage) and have focused on this area.