Book excerpt: The authors employ a unique teaching method that begins with the first phase of the accounting process, the journal entry, and immediately skips to the last phase, the trial balance, purposely omitting journals and ledgers. Then, when journals and legers are taught the student understands journals and ledgers are merely devices to enable the numbers to go from the first phase to the last phase. In this manner the student understands the theory of accounting. Basic Accounting Simplified offers real-world examples in the form of sixteen business transactions that are thoroughly examined, illustrated, and explained from various perspectives. In addition, tables, charts, and diagrams combine with consistently clear, direct language to create a complete set of accounting books. Basic Accounting Simplified also discusses and explains how to prepare financial statements. "Where was this book when I was in school studying accounting?" asks nationally renowned tax expert and lecturer Sidney Kess, CPA, JD, LLM. "It really is basic accounting simplified." AWARDS: Gold Award ~ best in Education/Academic/Teaching, Gold Award ~ best in Finance/Investment/Economics, Silver Award winner in Writing/Publishing category. ~~2011 eLit Awards for Digital Publishing Excellence