Deconstructing the Elements, 2nd edition is basically what you wish every reference book could be. The binding is strong even though it's a soft-cover and the pages are all color matte finish. Almost every step of every walk-through in this text contains an image of what you should be seeing in 3dsMax.
I was personally surprised to see that every technique is grounded in real-world observation. The cigarette smoke tutorial takes a full page to investigate how a real smoke trail acts before attempting to replicate it in 3d. Draper moves quickly but guides you along the way making for a very intuitive yet fast approach.
I believe Pete still has his web-site up and running at Xenomorphic.co.uk
If you're looking to create realistic effects and scenes in 3dsMax, you will not be sorry when you purchase this book.