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    $\begingroup$ Nooooo! I used this book when I taught a 2nd linear algebra course and that book is dry as dust. It has all kinds of neat applications, but it is really boring to read. (I really mean boring, not "too elementary"). Also, despite the abstraction over general fields in the main text, there is little compelling rationale given for needing linear algebra over something besides R or C. In particular, F_2 is used in the book only for weird counterexamples, even though linear algebra over F_2 is really useful in computer science. $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 10, 2010 at 19:33
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    $\begingroup$ I think this book is perfect. Sure it's dry, but that's fine. It has worked out examples exactly where they should be, the presentation and proofs are crystal clear, and there are tons of good exercises. I'm stuck teaching calculus from a book, which I'll not name now, that tries to "sell it" by attempting to be more readable, using poorly construed applications for motivation, and filling up empty space with colour pictures. I don't find this helps to convert anyone who isn't already interested. "Selling it" is my job as a teacher. When it comes to texts, I look for simplicity and clarity. $\endgroup$ Commented Apr 5, 2010 at 3:02
  • $\begingroup$ It's dry to be sure, but it works. The only complaint I have is that there are a lot of silly computational problems. BUT there's nothing that says that you have to give those problems as an instructor, and there are some good problems in there $\endgroup$ Commented May 23, 2010 at 0:20
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    $\begingroup$ @KConrad WHat the heck do you mean,dry,KC?!? It's loaded with beautiful examples and applications,some of which are rarely presented in a first course,like stochastic matrices! It's RIGOROUS without being Bourbakian,that's what I love about it. The section on the Jordan canonical form is a mess,though.Use Curtis for that and it'll be fine. $\endgroup$ Commented May 23, 2010 at 3:45