I admit it. i am a FAN of Lev. Lev Manovich is the man. A year ago I bought "The Language of New Media" and found it to be the most helpful book on new media that i had come across. I have probably read it 3 times. I also bought "The New Media Reader" that he helped edit, which cost me a bundle but it was worth every cent. But you dont have to invest what i have put out when you can get it for free: Lev loves new media and is a big believer in the internet - thus - much of what he has written is online and freely available, including many articles and interviews. Best place to start is "Generation Flash". Have fun!