I''ve been a big fan of Blender for quite a while now (I also do a lot of 3D modelling), so my opinion maybe biased, but Blender 2.0 kicks ass! This version is absolutely free (with all features), and has game development in mind. There''s also sample game related demo projects that are available for download, and they really show what Blender is capable of. It''s amazing. I''m not working on any major 3d projects right now, but I know that when I do start one, it will definitely use Blender as a development tool for map making and modelling. As a side note, Blender may be confusing when you first try it. Sit down and take a few hours to get intimate with it. It''s worth it.

Know of any comprehensive documentation for it other than the book they want you to purchase?

I don''t want to buy a book I can''t see before hand on a program I don''t know if I like and wait for it to be shipped overseas.

So if you know of any downloadable documentation that is printable (preferably a PDF) let me know.

Blender.nl''s Tutorials are a good place to start.