I obtained this book (as most do) in order to complete the Higher certificate course of the Wines and Spirits Education Trust (WSET)... for this purpose it is, literally, invaluable. However, if you're looking to find out more about wine production, regions, grapes, etc. and you have a basic understanding (i.e. you drink wine on a regular basis) then I would also recommend this book. It may seem like a lot of money when compared to other, more glossy wine encyclopedias written by wine celebs, but it is packed full of the basic facts, maps, simple diagrams etc. OK so the style of writing won't send you straight out to the nearest 'offy', and the content sometimes reads as though 'somebody needs to lighten up a little', but it's all there... A trusty fact-file for your bookshelf (file under "Dry but informative").