WordPerfect 4.2 macros, by Donna Mosich, is aimed at experienced users rather than novices. It does not provide any background on the basic functions of the package. Rather, it focuses on taking experienced users of the basic functions to a more advanced level. The first two chapters provide foundation knowledge of macro concepts and definitions. The author then proceeds to give step-by-step instructions for the creation of dozens of useful macro applications. These include form letters, memos, text formats, boilerplate document assembly, line drawing, and much more. File import and export from and to other software is discussed. The last chapter covers the WordPerfect Library package. The appendix is of limited value. It lists all the macros in the book and lists WordPerfect’s function keys in no more detail than on the keyboard template. A six-page index is provided.

The author’s style is generally straightforward and no-nonsense. Occasional long paragraphs of keystroke combinations irritated me. Readers who are not familiar with macro definitions will not be able to open the book at random without reading the first two chapters. However, many useful working macros are presented in this book. They are also available on a disk for $31.45. Many of the macros presented provide ideas for modification to the user’s particular needs. This is a useful and thoughtful book for users of WordPerfect 4.2 who wish to tap the full potential of their software.