If you are new to digital communications, contrary to many people's opinion, Pro akis is not a good book for

the beginners. Don't get me wrong. Proakis is an exc ellent reference book and it always sits by my desk where I can easily reach. If you are new to digital communications, perhaps, Sklar is perhaps more friendl y and the author writes the text in tutorial fashion. However, many detailed der ivations are (intentionally) missing in Skalar's book. Digital communication is quite a difficult subject to study. Many people spend y ears and still not entering the door. I would recommend following books & chapte rs if you want to become a serious student. Proakis: Chapters on bandlimited communication and equalization, also chapter on communication over fading channel is very good. Wozencraft and Jacobs: Chapters 4 & 5 worths the price of the book. Van Tree: Detection & estimation, vol. 1 Verdu: Multiuser detection Tse: Wireless communication theory, Stuber: good and practical book on mobile communications. Lin & Constello: error control coding. There are other good digital communications books. Above list is an essential.