XAML/WPF Book Recommendation

Question

I am looking for a good (excellent?) WPF/XAML book. A couple of things would be preferable:

1. Oriented largely towards programming on the desktop.
2. In depth and digs into advanced topics.

Can you give a recommendation and tell why?

Answer 1

I found this book quite detailed and understandable:

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-WPF-2008-Presentation-ebook/dp/B001CHLTWI/ref=sr%5F1%5F2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261403514&sr=8-2-spell

Answer 2

I would recommend "Pro WPF in C# 2008" from Matthew McDonald.

It covers almost every aspect of WPF in its 1040 pages. The explainations are very well and understandable. It helped me very much to get a deep insight into WPF.

Note that the book requires you to have already a good understanding of C# programming and the .NET Framework in general. The book is made for advanced users and professionals but I found it easy and good to understand, it doesn't leave many questions open.

Answer 3

WPF Unleashed - nicely organized and has color pictures as well :)

Pro WPF in C# 2008: Windows Presentation Foundation with .NET 3.5, Second Edition - more in-depth than WPF Unleashed. Seems 'dryer' because there are no color pictures :(

Both are excellent guides.

Edit: you may find other useful recommendations on the SO question: What WPF books would you recommend?

Answer 4

I found this book just incredible: Windows Presentation Foundation Unleashed.

Surprisingly MSDN sections on WPF are very-very good. This is not to say MSDN usually not good resource. This is to say, it has significantly exceeded my expectation :).