One of the authors (Kevin Spencer) thinks a better title would be 'beginning to end SQL Programming', and I'm inclined to agree with him. Kicking off with a history of SQL, through to understanding and using databases, and finishing with some case studies of it in action, it covers almost every aspect of the language that you need to know.

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the industry standard language used for creating and modifying data sources, and works by allowing users to describe the data the user wishes to see. Most database systems use SQL, but most of them also have their own extra proprietary extensions that are usually only applied on their system. However, the standard SQL instructions such as "Select", "Insert", "Create", "Delete", "Update", and "Drop" can be used to achieve almost everything you need to do with a database.

The book gives step-by-step instructions on how to do just that, and is clearly laid out, walking you through the subject calmly and meticulously, pointing out common problems, mistakes and pitfalls along the way. Topics covered include the fundamentals of ANSI SQL, the relational database, how to structure SQL statements, manipulating and modifying data, security and Data Control Language (DCL), and comes with a 120-day enterprise evaluation edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2000.

The book can at times get a bit too technical, but they have tried to explain points by giving practical demonstrations of SQL in 'real world' situations. This generally stops the book from becoming overwhelming. That said, it is still to be used as a reference guide and not as a bedtime read (just have a look at the size of it (700+pp)).

It's not an idiot's guide though, and would be ideal for someone with basic knowledge of databases, Access, or MySQL. It will provide you with a good enough grasp of the concepts that not only can you use them straightaway, but also develop them into more advanced SQL techniques.