The edition you see here is from 1998. So you can see that the book is no longer quite a newcomer. However, it is still as interesting and up-to-date as always. And it is something very special. On top of this novel, Tom DeMarco wrote several technological books about project management. The novel is a very intimate book, describing the problems of project management in a uniquely humorous way, being at the same time exciting and entertaining.
For us software persons, Tom DeMarco is not an unknown quantity. He can also occasionally be seen as a “key speaker” on programming conferences such as the OOP. In a not at all spectacular, yet very convincing and easily comprehensible way, he will tell you how he views the world of projects. And even though he never tells anything new, his presentations are always revolutionary and heretical.
After his presentations, he usually sells his books personally behind a small counter. More than once, I bought a hand-signed book by the great master for some of my friends.
At one time, I told him that his “The Appointment” has been the only book so far that caused me to fall out of my bed for getting a fit of laughter (it is really true). On hearing this, Tom also had to laugh heartily.
RMD
(Translated by EG)