Books on algorithms/programming theory
 

Hi, all, I just arrived here, and have a question. It's fairly general, and non-language specific, so I hoped this forum is a good place to ask.

I'm looking for a good book on algorithms. I have little math background (Calculus I & II in College, which I remember little of), so the ideal book would not assume a tremendous amount of math knowledge; not that I mind it being math based, but explanations of the math would be helpful rather than assuming the reader automagically knows what the symbols mean.

I have found a few online books, such as Data Structures & Algorithms but I prefer being able to curl up with a book. :-)

I don't expect anything university level, just a good introduction that would help me get through the basic concepts before I could move on to something a little deeper.

The specific programming language doesn't matter.

Or maybe I"m just asking too much. ;-) Still, any help/advice would be appreciated.

Phil

Any book by Donald Knuth for one.


"The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journyman to Master"
"Design Patterns: Elements of reusable Object-oriented software"
"Code Complete"

[quote=Mad_guy]Any book by Donald Knuth for one.QUOTE]

Really? The only ones I'm somewhat familiar with are his "Art of Computer Programming" series, and have always been told they were more for advanced readers... I've been programming on and off for some time, and am familiar with the ins and outs of programming (i.e. syntax, OO, etc.), but I'm still basically a novice-to-intermediate level coder... hence the reason why I'm wanting to explorer programming at a little deeper level.

Not that a challenge particularly bothers me, I just know that the AoCP series is a bit pricy, and don't want to spend a lot of money and wind up completely over my head... one day I do intend to work through those.

Still, if they are appropriate for a beginner, what the hey? :D

Thanks!
Phil

Has anyone read SAM'S "Teach Yourself Data Structures & Algorithms in 24 Hours?"

Yeah, yeah, I know SAM'S has a kind of hit and miss (perhaps more misses than hits?) reputation, but many of the reviews I've read are positive, so... maybe I'll look into this.

Still, any more suggestions would be great.

Thanks!
Phil