I'd say "The 'C" Programming Language" is definitely pointed at beginners and students.
I am not sure why it would be surprising that something as ambitious as C++ would take this long to evolve into a better form. C++ has always been very useful, but it continues to get better, IMO.
I am not sure why it would be surprising that something as ambitious as C++ would take this long to evolve into a better form. C++ has always been very useful, but it continues to get better, IMO.