Book excerpts:

R is an integrated software environment for data manipulation, calculation and graphical display. Among other things it has:
- an effective data handling and storage facility,
- a suite of operators for calculations on arrays, in particular matrices,
- a large, coherent, integrated collection of intermediate tools for data analysis,
- graphical facilities for data analysis and display either directly at the computer or on hardcopy, and
- a well developed, simple and effective programming language which includes conditionals, loops, user defined recursive functions and input and output facilities. (Indeed most of the system supplied functions are themselves written in this language.)

The term 'environment' is intended to characterize it as a fully planned and coherent system, rather than an incremental accretion of very specific and inflexible tools, as is frequently the case with other data analysis software.

Most R novices will start with the introductory session in Appendix A. This should give some familiarity with the style of R sessions and more importantly some instant feedback on what actually happens.

Many users will come to R mainly for its graphical facilities. In this case, Chapter 12 [Graphics], page 93 on the graphics features can be read at almost any time and need not wait until all the preceding sections have been digested.

Reviews:

Amazon.com

:) "This is an excellent and brief introduction to R."