This book starts off superbly. It explains XML and SOAP better than any other way I know. It also quickly clears up the miss-conception that BizTalk is just a Microsoft Server.
The Author starts to let himself down when he asks you to start using client side ActiveX components inside a browser. He fails to point out that these examples will only work in a Microsoft Environment where the MSXML parser is installed.
The Author then goes on to get you excited about Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000, only to then spend 12 pages talking about it and with not one working example.
I feel like I've been told a joke and then been denied hearing the punch line.
If you are a bit confused about this BizTalk "thingy" then this book is the best on the market. If you already have some knowledge then you'll be left hungry.