D and Programming Theory (Suggestions?)

[Louis]

Dear Friends,

Here is the QUESTION:

Does anyone know of any good books that talk about how computers work
abstractly enough to be a solid cross language foundation?

To put this question another way, I REALLY want to actually understand "The D
Programming Language" by Andrei Alexandrescu.  I understand enough of it to be
really excited about D, but not enough to start really programming with it.

EXPLANATION:

I'm new to systems language programming, although I have attempted to
self-learn C++ a few times.

I had been looking over C, C++ and C#, and there is a tremendous amount of
information about those languages available, but on a whim I decided to search
and see if there was actually a "D" programming language.

Not only did I find "D", but I also found out that it's a relatively new
language, and it appears to be cutting edge.  From what little knowledge I
have about C++ programming, I can already see some serious advantages of
putting time and effort into learning D because I think in the long run, it
will be worth the effort.  Not to mention that "D" appears to have "fixed"
some really complex, and potentially dangerous issues with C++ - issues that
are over my head at the moment - but clearly stated enough that even a noob
like me can see some ugly problems coming at me with C++ over the long haul.
(Yes, I have crashed windows with bad C++ before).

I bought "The D Programming Language" and have been fascinated by it even
though a lot of it is way over my head.

As I am pouring over my C++ books and my D book it has become painfully
obvious to me that while the syntax of language(s) are unique and important,
what is far more important is understanding the computer theories underlying
the code.  Things like understanding linear programming, OOP, functional
programming etc.  Also, things like understanding how a computer works
internally and how that relates to language (and compilation...).

I have made the mistake of trying to understand how a language works through
learning its syntax as defining function rather than understanding how
function dictates syntax.  With a new language like D with few books written
on it (actually 2 as far as I can see) it's difficult for a newcomer like me
just to jump in.

There is no "Beginning D" or "D For Dummies" yet.

I'm a quick study if I can find a few good books, and that's what I am looking
for.

Thanks!