Master the Java programming language and class libraries. Build high-powered applications and applets. Gain real experience using more than 200 examples, plus more than 400 questions and exercises.
Ah yes, back in 1999. I didn't yet understand object-oriented software design. This book slowly pulled me through the process. It all became clear. Not an exciting book, but solid and technically correct.
This book really helped me get my feet wet with the java language. It isn't really advanced, but knowing very little coming into the language, this book was a great help.