Book excerpt: A book for those interested in how modern graphics programs work and how they can generate realistic-looking objects. It emphasises the mathematics behind computer graphics, most of which is included in an appendix. The main topics covered are: scan conversion methods; selecting the best pixels for generating lines, circles and other objects; geometric transformations and projections; translations, rotations, moving in 3D, perspective projections, curves and surfaces; construction, wire-frames, rendering, normals; CRTs, antialiasing, animation, colour, perception, polygons, compression. With its numerous illustrative examples and exercises, the book is ideal for a two-semester course for advanced undergraduates or graduates, while also making a fine reference for professionals in the field.