The problem is that learning one hinges on the other, and you can't understand the practical at the depth AoE goes into without first understanding the theory.

The problem is that learning one hinges on the other, and you can't understand the practical at the depth AoE goes into without first understanding the theory. Someone in the thread mentioned it was designed for physicists. It might be okay there. That's a kind of unique background where someone might understand the theory without the application. However, most of the time I've seen it used, it's a recipe for frustration.