The Carrara 1 Bible offers clear, concise explanations and examples on how to use this nonstandard 3-D application. For users that are new to 3-D graphics and animation, and new to Carrara, this book offers excellent insight and direction. The book is aimed at beginners, the opening section covering interface basics, creating a scene, animation, and using cameras and lights. Even if readers have some experience with the program, these chapters are worth paging through. The book uses screenshots generously, and many pages have tips and hints on additional features within the interface.
The second section goes into greater depth on the applications of virtual model construction. Carrara can create metaball, polygonal and spline models, and each type is suited for different kinds of objects. Each of three chapters in this section covers a specific modeling technique, while the remaining chapters discuss using advanced tools like importing 2-D vector art, extruding into a 3-D model, and using Carrara's modifiers for building complex shapes.
A computer model without texture is a sorry sight. Luckily, the third section of the book is devoted to the use of Carrara's shaders and textures, which are fairly advanced and can be used for some very sophisticated looks. The last section pulls everything together into building a final scene: adding atmospheric effects, rendering, and using Carrara with other applications.
The CD-ROM is a bit of a disappointment. It offers few extras other than the project files from most of the chapters. And it includes fewer than 20 free models, although it does include a nice assortment of texture files and shaders. Still, Carrara 1 Bible is a solid companion to this promising 3-D application and may just be the book for those looking to squeeze the most from Carrara. --Mike Caputo
