The following statement made by the Author doesn't sound like a programmer (leave C++ expert alone).

"I think I once managed to read all the way through Stroustrup’s The C++ Programming Language and have looked at at least parts of The Design and Evolution of C++. But I have never done any serious programming in it."

All I can say is, any programmer worth his mettle would make such a statement... Going through Stroustrups's book isn't possible if you're not interested in C++ programming (given that its not part of For Dummies series), IMHO. It is exactly like comparing it to a Novel. A programming guide is not about reading, its about learning.