Just read the first chapter. I can't believe it. The new author is a chip off the old block. He managed to include a braid-tugging scene. Other than that, I think he did a good job. Hopefully he picks up the pace; the pacing of the first chapter was a lot like RJ, perhaps a tiny bit faster and cleaner.

What I want to know is, are they going to release it as two volumes like they threatened, or will they keep Robert Jordan's word that it will stay in one volume even if it has to run more than 1200 pages long?

A lot references and jokes in programming circles point back to those books. They do add a dimension to the programming experience. For instance, "Wintermute" comes from Neuromancer. Lots of stuff is quoted from Alice in Wonderland. "fnord" comes from Illuminatus Trilogy.

I'm developing a course for aspiring computer programmers. I've been at it on and off for the past year. The reading list is done, the course outline and coverage isn't entirely done but is shaping up. This sounds like material that should be covered. Does anyone have a good writeup or recommended book for inclusion in the course? The Programmers Stone guys sort of cover this material.

You can see the course here:

From Beginner to Master A Computer Programmer's Reading Course So, you want to be a computer programmer?

I've been a programmer for fifteen years. Here is my list: http://reactor-core.org/programmer-syllabus.html Some of the books are hard to find. Ted