Two new books arrived

the knitter's handy book of sweater patterns,
Basic designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges
by Ann Budd

This looks like a nifty book. I've just thumbed through it and it looks like the kind of thing I need to get me started knitting sweaters. I need instructions to tell me what to do for shaping a neck and arms and such. I don't need pattern instructions.

The Best of Knitter's Magazine
shawls and scarves
edited by Nancy J. Thomas

This looks like a wonderful book. Unfortunately, with just a very quick glance through it, it appears the book gives the kind of instructions that are quite literally Greek to me. Those pretty diagrams don't mean a thing to me.