I purchased this book based on the rave reviews, but after looking at it I think I will return it. The inside cover reads that the patterns are based on the best patterns collected over the past 60 years -- and they're not kidding. The book is a collection of patterns published by the Red Heart yarn company. The patterns are, in a word, dated. When I heard "crochet classics" I thought it meant timeless, but actually it means "old fashioned." I'm in my late 20's and I like simple, modern designs--this book just wasn't for me. Although a few of the patterns are very nice, the majority of the patterns are not to my taste. The book does not only have afghan patterns, but also also a few hideous 80's sweaters.