Flash 8 - Training From the Source by James English (Peachpit Press) is an excellent resource for the Flash newbie. English, who is known in the Flash community as one of the foremost trainers, starts off creating a personable tone as well as establishing a well-organized way of introducing the reader to the core concepts of Flash.

The book is focused on the Basic version of Flash 8, so it's able to address the subject for a new user without wasting time talking about Professional functionality that the Basic user doesn't have. Each chapter begins by telling the reader what they will learn, which exercises on the included CD will be involved, along with the estimated amount of time that will be required to complete each chapter. He begins by walking you through the Flash interface, toolbars, and some of the new features that are introduced in Flash 8. Then you'll get started doing the basics - creating graphics, text, and symbols (English does an exceptional job describing the differences between symbol types), learning how to navigate the timeline, and how to insert keyframes. At this point, you'll then get started on the project that you will work on through the entire book, which is an interactive Flash bookstore.

From there, English guides you through the slightly more advanced elements of Flash 8, including some of the new features such as merged drawing and object drawing options, filters and timeline effects, new brush modes, then moves on to creating basic animations. He then explains how to add basic interactivity, as well as the basics of how to add and optimize sound.

English touches on how to get started writing ActionScript 2.0, beginning with the basics of methods and properties, functions, events and handlers, creation of classes, listeners, and understanding of scope. He also gives the reader a clear understanding on how to use strict typing, implementation of CSS, as well as how to use the LoadVars object, which is vital in moving towards advanced Flash user interactivity. He wraps up the book instructing how to use components and optimization, as well as pointing out publish settings.

All in all, I consider this a "must read" for the Flash beginner. The book doesn't get too in-depth about the more complicated elements of Flash, particularly ActionScript 2.0, and English's down-to-earth approach makes the book highly readable, periodically injecting humor while depicting how to apply Flash to a project in terms of real-life situations (the "frozen turkey" assimilation was particularly humorous). Even if you're an intermediate to advanced Flash developer, the book is worth a quick read-through if for no other reason than to become familiar with the new features.

Not quite ready to shell out the cash to make the jump to Flash 8? No problem. The book is Macromedia approved and includes a 30-day trial version of the program.

These book are available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble (not affiliate links)