Great, it looks like a good book and a valuable resources. It's a shame about the publishing situation. I've been interested in Lisp and scheme for some time, but haven't found a way to learn it by accomplishing something with Lisp yet. I'm looking forward to finding a project.
"Oh, and one more thing: It's not quite true that no mass market product uses Lisp. Microsoft's "Bob" environment for naive computer users was developed (and delivered) in Lisp."
Okay, I'm sold! But really, MS was using Lisp in the 90s?
I read much of his online book before deciding to buy a paper copy, figuring the result was definitely worth the money, therefore the guy deserved to be paid; this was a few years ago. I don't exactly remember when, so hopefully before 2007...
The worst thing is that it's entirely possible his contract with the publisher is structured in a way that if he makes the book available as a free download or sells it on Lulu.com, the publisher will unleash their lawyers upon him.
No it isn't. The book has been available since much prior to the notice about royalties being put up.
I have a single correspondence with the author about compensating him for his effort (I used the online edition) to learn lisp and he refused -- as the publisher has first rights to collect monies on the book -- , I am inclined not to even fleetingly question his judgment in posting the book online.
"Oh, and one more thing: It's not quite true that no mass market product uses Lisp. Microsoft's "Bob" environment for naive computer users was developed (and delivered) in Lisp."
Okay, I'm sold! But really, MS was using Lisp in the 90s?