Book excerpt: Alf Yarwood provides a practical, structured course of work matched to the latest release of AutoCAD. After introducing first principles and the creation of 2D technical drawings, he goes on to demonstrate the construction of 3D solid and surface model drawings and rendering. All the new features of the 2009 software release are taken into account and the increasing emphasis on 3D solid modelling in the software is reflected in the book. The 2D chapters are also suitable for those learning how to use AutoCAD LT 2009. Suitable for all new users of AutoCAD, this book is particularly applicable to vocational and introductory level undergraduate courses in engineering and construction. It is an ideal textbook for the City & Guilds Computer Aided Design and Engineering qualifications (4353 and 2303)and the relevant CAD units of BTEC National and BTEC Higher National Engineering and Construction schemes from Edexcel. A free companion website is available at http://books.elsevier.com/companions/9780750689830 and features: Worked solutions and AutoCAD drawing files of stages and results for the exercises in the book Further exercises and multiple-choice questions with answers.