Practical Information Architecture Tim Salam wrote me "I find Eric’s style of writing to be semi-casual, low on the hardcore academic spin, and with emphasis on his candid assessment on IA concepts. You know what? That’s EXACTLY what I want to hear – professionals giving me straight-talk on what they think of this and that concept. That’s the stuff I can run into the field with and attack a problem head on."
note: Websites have grown increasingly more complex, and while this is still a fine introduction to basic site organization, i think it is a bit out of date.