This is the one indispensable cookbook in our home. It is not just the recipes, although many of them are excellent, but the many pages which explain all about food, its sources, different varieties and how to use them, how to handle and basically prepare for cooking are worth it even if there were no recipes. Even when making recipes from other sources, I will generally see what Terence and Caroline say about the matter first, get a second opinion and see if there are some basics I should know.My wife brought this book into our marriage almost 25 years ago when I could barely boil water. No matter how basic or obcure my question as I tried to master cooking, it could generally be relied on to answer it. The internet is full of advice, but it is not all good. This book is a masterpiece if you are looking for advice on the selection, purchase, preparation and presentation of all kinds of food.Very well and clearly illustrated, it has been read more than any other book in our house except the Bible.