The unorthodox organization of this numerical linear algebra text makes it one of the most valuable introductory books in the field. The reader is likely to obtain a better intuitive understanding of topics like the SVD and the intimate relationship it has with linear transformations, eigen structure, and stability. The book is for the beginner, but a good background in basic linear algebra and calculus is required. The writing is clear and direct, but can be a terse in places. While the presentation is mostly rigorous, it may leave more experienced readers wanting more. The examples and exercises are interesting and reinforce the material; however, I would have preferred more, and meatier, exercises. While it can't stand alone as the only numerical linear algebra book the well rounded practitioner needs, it definitely should be in every applied mathematician's library.
