This book was given to me as a gift, some 25 years ago. At the time, I had my favorite go-to pastry recipe and everything else seemed too complicated. Then, about 5 years ago, I rediscovered this book and really read it. That started me on a journey. He explains the science of pastry in a way that completely demystified the whys and wherefores of the differences in pastry. I already had confidence in my abilities as a baker, so I was able, comfortably, to explore outside my experience & expertise. Found a few recipes in this book that I found nowhere else. This book is a treasure!