I think this is a great learning tool. I have been chainsaw carving for 14 years and still have much to learn. For someone of my experience this book is fine, but if you are some what new at carving you may not understand all the steps as they are not all shown. However if you are at all intelligent you will figure it out. The cover and pages of this book have a coating on them that is some what plastic like so that makes it ideal to take out to your carving stump. It is some what oil proof! Great design and user friendly.