This was one of the first karate books I bought when I started training. A lucky choice! I found it invaluable in studying the details of the basics and learning the japanese names. The pictures are clear and relevant to learning the techniques, and the occasional photos of the masters are inspiring to a student.
These days I hardly look at the book, because every page is now indelibly held in my memory; the book is as relevant to my training now as it was when I first read it - hard to believe it is almost thirty years ago. If you study Shotokan and you want to master the basics, this is the best single work to use. The pedigree of the author is unquestioned amongst the masters and his students have become great masters themselves.