I have read several tutorials and have learned the basics of the Windows API. I would like to learn how to build an application with drop menus and multiple sub-windows. I have read the msdn documentation, but it would help if I could read a more advanced tutorial. The only tutorials I have seen that deal with advanced subjects are in c instead of c++. I am probably going to have to learn pure c as well, but I worry the information is dated. I know the msdn documentation exists but I am having trouble following it. Maybe i need to expand my knowledge of c++ as well.
I think a few textbooks on The windows API and COM would help me greatly to build a firm foundation before I learn to use a GUI toolkit. Could you recommend something?