Lisp 3rd Edition (Winston and Horn)

LISP is a university textbook authored by Patrick Henry Winston and Berthold Klaus Paul Horn, first published in 1981, with a third edition released in 1989. The book serves as an introduction to the Lisp programming language and its applications, covering the Common Lisp standard and the Common Lisp Object System (CLOS). It includes topics such as expert systems, natural language interfaces, symbolic mathematics, and various problem-solving paradigms like search and backward chaining. The book has undergone three editions, each enhancing its content; the first introduced Maclisp, the second incorporated Common Lisp and Flavors, and the third added improved procedure definitions and new topics.

Reception of the book has been generally positive. Early reviews praised its organization and practical implementations, although some critics suggested alternative Lisp dialects for examples. Subsequent editions were noted for their improved example code and clarity, with recommendations for readers to have prior programming knowledge. The book is recognized for its comprehensive coverage of programming advice, though it may pose challenges for beginners. It has been cited as a valuable resource in the field of artificial intelligence and symbolic programming, with specific examples and sample code supporting its educational objectives. Overall, LISP is regarded as a significant text in computer science education, particularly for those interested in Lisp programming.