Are you looking for the Best Bass Guitar Books? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Bass Guitar Books can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Fender, Glarry, Ibanez, Schiffer Publishing Ltd, Tesla, Victrola, Yamaha, Amazon.com. We have done a lot of research to find the Top 20 Best Bass Guitar Books available.
The average cost is $19.10. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $7.99 to a high of $34.99.
Based on the research we did, we think Playing the Bass Guitar: A Beginner's Guide to the Electric Bass [Book] is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Bass Guitar Books (20 Sellers)
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Product Name |
Features |
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- Category: guitar & folk
- Sub category 1: methods
- Format: bass tab
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- Pages: 160
- Instrumentation: bass
- Instrumentation: electric bass
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- Publisher date: 2016-01-11
- Dimensions: 22.9 x 0.5 x 30.5 cm
- Category: music, stage & screen, music
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- Binding type: hardback.
- Publisher: alfred publishing co inc.,u.s.
- Year published: 2016-02-01.
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- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 2011-12-01
- Number of pages: 220
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- Book/online audio
- Pages: 32
- Instrumentation: bass
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- Pearson tradition of excellence bk2 electric bass bk/dvd
- Sheet music – sheet music
- Publisher: kjos music company
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- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 1997-10-01
- Number of pages: 56
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- Full color drawings and color-coding of important text and music motivate and inform.
- Three starting systems help ensure positive results in any beginning situation.
- Excellerators (advanced supplemental exercises) reinforce and enrich performance basics.
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- A must-have for any bass player
- It is a nice musical gift for any music lover
- It is suitable for learners of all ages
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- Publisher: hal leonard publishing corporation
- Publisher date: 01/01/2016
- Dimensions: 30.23 x 22.61 x 1.02 centimetres
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- Manufactured to the highest quality available.
- With true enhanced performance.
- Latest technical development.
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- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2014-05-11
- Number of pages: 42
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- How to play bass dot com ltd
- Abis book
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- Another one bites the dust
- Around the world
- Blurred lines
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- Weight: .7 pounds.
- Genre: tablature.
- Electronics condition: new.
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- Book 1 : the method : by chuck ra , by music sales america ,the complete electric bass player
- Book 1 : the method : by chuck ra, music sales america
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- Contains books 1, 2, and 3 bound together in one easy-to-use volume.
- Description.
- Special spiral bound edition containing books 1, 2, & 3 of the second edition hal leonard bass method.
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- Learn to play bass with metallica book/cd
- Discover the basics of playing bass as you learn hands-on how to play more than 35 metallica songs
- Features instruction by joe charupakorn and a cd with complete demonstrations of every lesson
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- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2008-12-01
- Number of pages: 248
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Features:
- Category: guitar & folk
- Sub category 1: methods
- Format: bass tab
Features:
- Pages: 160
- Instrumentation: bass
- Instrumentation: electric bass
Features:
- Publisher date: 2016-01-11
- Dimensions: 22.9 x 0.5 x 30.5 cm
- Category: music, stage & screen, music
Features:
- Binding type: hardback.
- Publisher: alfred publishing co inc.,u.s.
- Year published: 2016-02-01.
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 2011-12-01
- Number of pages: 220
Features:
- Book/online audio
- Pages: 32
- Instrumentation: bass
Features:
- Pearson tradition of excellence bk2 electric bass bk/dvd
- Sheet music – sheet music
- Publisher: kjos music company
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 1997-10-01
- Number of pages: 56
Features:
- Full color drawings and color-coding of important text and music motivate and inform.
- Three starting systems help ensure positive results in any beginning situation.
- Excellerators (advanced supplemental exercises) reinforce and enrich performance basics.
Features:
- A must-have for any bass player
- It is a nice musical gift for any music lover
- It is suitable for learners of all ages
Features:
- Publisher: hal leonard publishing corporation
- Publisher date: 01/01/2016
- Dimensions: 30.23 x 22.61 x 1.02 centimetres
Features:
- Manufactured to the highest quality available.
- With true enhanced performance.
- Latest technical development.
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2014-05-11
- Number of pages: 42
Features:
- How to play bass dot com ltd
- Abis book
Features:
- Another one bites the dust
- Around the world
- Blurred lines
Features:
- Weight: .7 pounds.
- Genre: tablature.
- Electronics condition: new.
Features:
- Book 1 : the method : by chuck ra , by music sales america ,the complete electric bass player
- Book 1 : the method : by chuck ra, music sales america
Features:
- Contains books 1, 2, and 3 bound together in one easy-to-use volume.
- Description.
- Special spiral bound edition containing books 1, 2, & 3 of the second edition hal leonard bass method.
Features:
- Learn to play bass with metallica book/cd
- Discover the basics of playing bass as you learn hands-on how to play more than 35 metallica songs
- Features instruction by joe charupakorn and a cd with complete demonstrations of every lesson
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2008-12-01
- Number of pages: 248
1. Playing The Bass Guitar: A Beginner's Guide To The Electric Bass [Book]
Product Details:
Everything you need to know about starting to play bass! working with louis satterfield, verdine white of earth, wind and fire has laid out a systematic method to learning the basics of music theory and how it relates to the bass. by the end of the book, you'll not only understand and read music but also gain the independence needed to move around your instrument with ease.
Specifications:
| Writer |
Verdine White, Louis Satterfield, Karl Kaminski |
| Age Range |
15+ |
| Dimensions |
30.2 x 22.9 x 1.3 centimeters (0.50 kg) |
Reviews:
I use this as a teacher reference when instructing my students on Bass Guitar playing.Rick
2. Music Theory For Bass Players: Demystify The Fretboard And Reveal Your Full Bass Potential! [Book]
Product Details:
(bass instruction). finally, a music theory book designed for bass players of all levels! with this comprehensive workbook, you'll expand your fretboard knowledge and gain the freedom and confidence needed to tackle any musical challenge. rather than overwhelm the reader with lots of complex theory that may be useful for jazz guitarists or keyboard players, this book and audio pack focuses on the elements that are essential for the bass player throughout, like how to write bass lines, lay down a solid foundation, and improvise. features hundreds of examples to study and practice, including loads of real world bass lines and play-along audio tracks to jam to! includes over 200 demonstration and play-along audio tracks and three bass fretboard theory video lessons online for download or streaming.
Specifications:
| Published |
United States, 31 May 2018 |
| Writer |
Gorenberg, Steve |
| Age Range |
0+ |
| Dimensions |
30.2 x 22.9 x 1 centimeters (0.57 kg) |
Reviews:
Very well written. Must have book for your librarystrchld65
3. Teach Yourself To Play Bass: A Quick And Easy Introduction For Beginners [Book]
Product Details:
Do you want to learn how to play the bass guitar quickly, but don't read music or have little to no musical experience? if so, this book is for you! instead of standard music notation, this method uses tablature combined with rhythmic symbols to make learning fast and easy! topics covered include: parts of the bass guitar * tuning * basic hand and finger positions * interpreting chord symbols and musical charts * major, minor and pentatonic scales * arpeggios * easy-to-interpret diagrams, photos and illustrations * and much more!
Specifications:
| Language |
English |
| Release Date |
September 2015 |
| Length |
56 Pages |
| Dimensions |
0.1" x 7.9" x 12.8" |
Reviews:
For a senior wannabe it’s easy to follow Very basic, but just what I wanted as an introduction to learning to play bass.Steven
Very clear in its Instructionsteheran2014
4. Modern Electric Bass: Includes Online Video [Book]
Product Details:
Jaco pastorius is arguably the greatest bassist of the 20th century. with his melodic sense, delicate touch, and groundbreaking bass grooves that influenced generations of musicians, jaco forged a landmark bass style that still resonates today. modern electric bass is an intimate look into jaco's signature style, a guide to the musical elements and characteristics that made jaco such a unique and once-in-a-generation talent. the book features note-for-note transcriptions of the lessons from the companion video—where you are treated to jaco performing several standout solos as well as a bass duet with legendary bassist jerry jemmott, who also serves as host. also on the video is a 20-minute trio performance, featuring guitarist john scofield and drummer kenwood dennard. as the only official instructional book or video released by jaco himself, modern electric bass is a treasured document of one of the true legends of music.
Specifications:
| Binding / Edition |
Paperback; Paperback/dvd |
| Dimensions (inches) |
11.57 (H) x 8.74 (W) x 0.16 (D) |
| Date of Publication |
Feb 1, 2016 |
| Dewey Decimal Classification |
787 |
| Library of Congress Classification |
ML |
| Product Genre/Category |
Music / Musical Instruments / Guitar |
Reviews:
It is a great dvd disc and book.scoturk0
5. The Ultimate Bass Songbook
Product Details:
This songbook features a variety of arrangements and transcriptions for 70 songs ranging from exact note-for-note transcriptions and easy bass melodies to solo bass arrangements and bass riffs. no matter what type of arrangement you prefer, you'll find many top hits to play in this collection! songs include: all my loving * blowin' in the wind * bridge over troubled water * canon in d * crazy * dust in the wind * every breath you take * hallelujah * head like a hole * let's get it started * let's go crazy * peter gunn * the pink panther * pride and joy * slow ride * stand by me * sweet child o' mine * under pressure * yesterday * and more.
Specifications:
| Binding |
Paperback |
| Dimensions (inches) |
11.81 (H) x 8.90 (W) x 0.63 (D) |
| Date of Publication |
Dec 15, 2011 |
| Dewey Decimal Classification |
787 |
| Product Genre/Category |
Music / Songbooks |
Reviews:
Lots and lots easy though to hard, well for me anyhowdaba-1034
Brilliant book . Tab music for beginners and more advanced players. Would have been better with a ringed binder,as its difficult to keep book open when playing.speedyreidy
Just what I needed to hopefully improve my bass playing. Time will tell.dizzydeece
6. Hal Leonard Bass Tab Method [Book]
Product Details:
Learn the notes of the bass with riffs like day tripper and stand by me, reading rhythms and tab with classics by the who and red hot chili peppers, fingerstyle and pick technique with songs like roxanne and low rider, and much more. the method's unique, well-paced, and logical teaching sequence will get students playing more easily than ever before, and music from popular artists like the beatles, nirvana, and green day will keep them playing and having fun. audio examples of each exercise are accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be streamed or downloaded. the audio files include playback+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.
Specifications:
| Language |
English |
| Release Date |
January 2013 |
| Length |
32 Pages |
| Dimensions |
0.1" x 9.0" x 12.0" |
Reviews:
Das ist für jeden was zu finden. Ob Fortgeschritten oder Anfänger !
7. Tradition Of Excellence: Comprehensive Band Method. Electric Bass [Book]
Product Details:
Tradition of excellence book 2 is a flexible performance-centered curriculum that seamlessly blends classic and contemporary pedagogy and cutting edge technology. book 2 comes with the unique and revolutionary interactive practice studio, which provides access to all multimedia components of the curriculum on a single virtual page.
Reviews:
the book is great its just not what i neededAnika
Delivery was fast and the book is very good for beginners.Me
It is a good book and dvd disc.scoturk0
8. Bass Improvisation: The Complete Guide To Soloing [Book]
Product Details:
This book with online audio is designed to help players master the art of improvisation. the audio includes over 50 tracks for demonstration and play-along. the book works with electric or acoustic bass and covers: modes, harmonic minor, melodic minor, blues, pentatonics, diminished, whole tone, lydian b7, mixolydian b13, and other important scales; phrasing, chord scale concepts, melodic development, guide tones, and resolutions; plus how to use your ear, practice tunes, and much more! the audio is accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be streamed or downloaded. the audio files include playback+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.
Specifications:
| Binding / Edition |
Paperback; Paperback/cd |
| Dimensions (inches) |
11.75 (H) x 8.50 (W) x 0.25 (D) |
| Date of Publication |
Oct 1, 1997 |
| Dewey Decimal Classification |
781 |
| Library of Congress Classification |
MT |
| Product Genre/Category |
Music / Instruction & Study / General |
Reviews:
Good jazz soloing method bookkyojiko-0
Need to have an understanding of music and cord arpeggios.juor_8935
9. Kjos Standard Of Excellence Book 1 Enhanced Electric Bass
Product Details:
The standard of excellence enhanced comprehensive band method books 1 and 2 combines a strong performance-centered approach with music theory, music history, ear training, listening, composition, improvisation, and interdisciplinary and multicultural studies. each book comes with two cds containing all the full band accompaniments and the revolutionary ipas practice and assessment software. directors will welcome the complete accompaniments and inspiring software. students will find the new package makes practicing not only fun but effective, too! the result is the most complete band method available anywhere.
Reviews:
My daughter is playing bass in her middle school band. This was the required book from the teacher. I was able to order and get it to her by the required time, which makes it all good in my book.Mary
Fast and easy shopping in these covid times. Safe and friendly staff. thank you, daveDAVID
10. Bass Tab White Pages [Book]
Product Details:
All styles of music are represented in this massive, 1024-page compilation. includes: all apologies * all shook up * another one bites the dust * are you gonna go my way * baby love * bad medicine * badge * barracuda * beast of burden * blue on black * blue suede shoes * blueberry hill * brass in pocket * bulls on parade * carry on wayward son * cherry pie * come out and play * come to my window * come together * couldn't stand the weather * detroit rock city * eight days a week * fly away * free ride * get ready * great balls of fire * hard to handle * hey joe * hey man nice shot * higher ground * i can see for miles * i fought the law * the impression that i get * into the great wide open * iris * iron man * jessica * learn to fly * maggie may * maria maria * money * my girl * oye como va * paperback writer * paranoid * pride and joy * riding with the king * semi-charmed life * sultans of swing * under pressure * walk of life * would? * wonderwall * and many more!
Specifications:
| Binding |
Paperback |
| Dimensions (inches) |
11.00 (H) x 8.75 (W) x 2.00 (D) |
| Date of Publication |
May 1, 2001 |
| Dewey Decimal Classification |
787 |
| Product Genre/Category |
Music / Musical Instruments / Guitar |
Reviews:
Very awesome variety of songs to work with, and most so far seem pretty accurate to the originals.slc-slim
A really comprenhensive book, its going to take a while to learn all of them I can highly recommend it.wiremansport
you can only get better with this book it goes from very easy to very difficult bass lines and readingbecalm2313
11. First 50 Songs You Should Play On Bass
Product Details:
If you're new to the bass, you are probably eager to learn some songs. this book provides easy arrangements in tab with lyrics for the most popular songs bassists want to play. includes: american girl * billie jean * blister in the sun * crossfire * hey joe * i got you (i feel good) * livin' on a prayer * low rider * money * monkey wrench * my generation * paranoid * peter gunn * the pink panther * roxanne * should i stay or should i go * uptown funk * what's going on * with or without you * yellow * and more!
Specifications:
| Binding |
Paperback |
| Dimensions (inches) |
12.00 (H) x 10.00 (W) x 0.25 (D) |
| Date of Publication |
Jan 1, 2016 |
| Dewey Decimal Classification |
782 |
| Product Genre/Category |
Music / Songbooks |
Reviews:
As always Hal Leonard produces a great product. It pushes you just enough as a beginner. It doesnt have any bass instruction element and assumes you have a basic knowledge of tab or musical notation, so you may want to get the bass course book if you are not familiar with that. There is a good mix of styles/genres too.jasotarli
Great book Some good songs to trybrwat-44
I feel its alittle confusing and could have used more inkjerepor_36
12. Serious Electric Bass: The Bass Player's Complete Guide To Scales And Chords [Book]
Product Details:
Bass basics, major scales and modes, harmonic and melodic minor scales and modes, arpeggio patterns and symmetric scales (whole tone and diminished). serious electric bass is a definitive, comprehensive, user-friendly guide for electric bassists of all levels. 279 pages.
Reviews:
Known about this book for a long time, finally got it. Its title says it all: SERIOUS! Be prepared to take your time, I'm just starting to work through it. Lots of good information. Consider it as a lifetime learning and reference tool.josephdiscojoe
Great product with rapid deliverybruce053
The book is a wealth of information concerning bass guitar scales and theory. It also includes information on how to fix minor problems with your bass.johnlosen
13. Bass Scales, Chords And Arpeggios [Book]
Product Details:
Bass scales, chords & arpeggios is a comprehensive reference book for all bass guitarists. containing a huge amount of bass guitar information, this book gives you the tools you need to master the fretboard. all scales, chords and arpeggios are presented in diagram form. scales are also shown in one octave in notation and tab (starting on c). find new sounds to inspire your playing: use new scales in your bass lines and play chords and arpeggios all over the neck. designed to be the only bass guitar reference book you'll ever need.
Reviews:
This is a must have book2011ranton19150
Too advanced for me, not for a beginner as advertisedgeorgientoby69
14. How To Play Bass – Learning From James Jamerson Vol 1: An 80-20 Device Method Book For Bass Guitar
Product Details:
Book is in used-good condition. pages and cover are clean and intact. used items may not include supplementary materials such as cds or access codes. may show signs of minor shelf wear and contain limited notes and highlighting.
Specifications:
| Language |
English |
| Dimensions |
8.5 x 0.24 x 11 inches |
15. 25 Top Rock Bass Songs: Tab+ = Tab + Tone + Technique [Book]
Product Details:
This is not your typical bass tab book. some of the songs will be easy to play even for advanced beginner students, and others might present a much greater challenge. this volume will help you master 25 must-know bass classics, including: another one bites the dust * around the world * blurred lines * the boys are back in town * freewill * hey joe * the joker * london calling * my generation * sledgehammer * strange brew * sweet emotion * you can call me al * young lust * and more.
Specifications:
| Language |
English |
| Original Languages |
English |
| Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H) |
11.80 x 8.90 x 0.50 Inches |
16. Hal Leonard Queen – The Bass Guitar Collection
Product Details:
Hal leonard queen the bass guitar collect, songbook for electric bass, 18 metal songs originally transcribed for bass, medium difficulty level, isbn 9781476818528, publisher's no. hl103358, format: din a4, 144 pages
Specifications:
| Length |
12 in |
| Height |
0.1 in |
| Width |
9 in |
Reviews:
Definitely worth having if you are a Queen fan.Shorty
Great fun to learn lines from a very underrated bass player in one of the greatest bands of all time.Eric M
17. The Complete Electric Bass Player – Book 1
Product Details:
This easy to follow method features superb demonstration photographs and concentrates on two skills you really need: dexterity and musicianship. chapters include: the instrument and its equipment fingering major scales accidentals minor scales diminished scales.
Specifications:
| Length |
12 in |
| Height |
0.1 in |
| Width |
9 in |
Reviews:
I bought this for my son years ago who felt it was very easy to learn from. He is now playing bass in a band and also in a symphony. We were so impressed with his improvement and renewed interest, that my sister picked up the bass and took the lessons too. Now we find out just how famous the author & educator is , he's very well known in the music world and has done studio work for, as well as toured with big name musicians over a number of years. Our whole family highly recommends this lesson book!hummierman
18. Hal Leonard Electric Bass Method – Complete Edition
Product Details:
Book 1 explains proper beginning electric bass technique and covers 1st to 5th position. the bass lessons in book 2 deal with more dynamic concepts, including a step-by-step explanation of todays pop and slap bass techniques. book 3 tutorials cover more advanced technique and theory, and introduces bassists to outboard effects and reading studio-type arrangements.
Specifications:
| Length |
12 in |
| Height |
0.1 in |
| Width |
9 in |
Reviews:
I'm a trombone guy by trade. I took up the bass because a band needed a bass and not a bone so I camped out with this book and learned a ton very quickly. Keep up with the speed of the cd's and practice away and you'll be on your way. I also got several other books on bass blues, funk etc. and just kept practicing and learning and I'm over 65! So you can do it too!Chip
I am a teacher and have been using this book for years with very good results. The version with cd's is recommended and this one doesn't say it has the three cd's with it, so that is a minus. You need the cd's to get the most out of this. This is one of the only books that I have used that I did not immediately want to rewrite. It is a workable graded method of bass reading and understanding that is the best I have found. This means that it works in its suggested capacity, people learn to read and play bass from it. Recently it has been replaced with another Hal Leonard electric bass book that is rediculous in comparison. Buy this book while you can.Markee
very good exactly what I wantedtime4stufftogo
19. Learn To Play Bass With Metallica [Book]
Product Details:
(guitar method). discover the basics of playing bass as you learn hands-on how to play more than 35 metallica songs. features instruction by joe charupakorn and audio tracks with complete demonstrations of every lesson. songs include: battery * blackened * the call of ktulu * damage, inc. * enter sandman * eye of the beholder * fade to black * fuel * hero of the day * mama said * master of puppets * one * ride the lightning * seek & destroy * the unforgiven * until it sleeps * and more. audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. the audio files include playback+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.
Specifications:
| Binding / Edition |
Sheet music; Paperback/cd |
| Dimensions (inches) |
11.75 (H) x 8.75 (W) x 0.25 (D) |
| Date of Publication |
Feb 1, 2002 |
| Dewey Decimal Classification |
781 |
| Library of Congress Classification |
MT |
| Product Genre/Category |
Music / Instruction & Study / General |
Reviews:
this book is OK I have learned a little in this short amount of time it comes with a CD that isn't that much help if it came with a DVD I know it would make a big difference I bought this cause I'm a Metallica fan and it is nice to learn music that I can relate with it could be better but its OK and for the money if your a fan its nice when you hear music that you like coming from your fingers but you still should buy another set with a DVD its better to watch and learn than read and learn thats my opiniongoat73
20. Tipbook Electric Guitar And Bass Guitar: The Complete Guide [Book]
Product Details:
The books in this series will not teach beginning musicians how to playthey are more for reference on the instruments they describe. readers will find information on selecting an instrument, care and maintenance, practice tips, history, styles, and how to select learning and instructional resources. what sets these titles apart from most reference works on instruments is that absolute beginners will have easy access to tons of useful material. for older teens and adults. tipbook piano (isbn 978-1-4234-6278-1) and tipbook amplifiers effects (isbn 978-1-4234-6277-4) will be published in june 2009. copyright reed business information, a division of reed elsevier inc.
Specifications:
| Language |
English |
| Release Date |
December 2008 |
| Length |
248 Pages |
| Dimensions |
0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0" |
