Without hesitation I would hail this enormous volume as THE bible for professional jewellers/makers.
I'm not sure what this book does NOT contain about the various jewellery/metalworking proceedures that exsist. I tend to love books in this subject that have lots of pictures/eye candy and inspiration. Although this book is not really a gallery in this way, it does not have lots of glossy coloured pictures of work - there are some, most black and white - but the sheer volume of techniques and methods that are truly explained - in a variety of ways - make this an essential book in this field.
Anything I want to understand or learn about I can find it in here. Its incredible.
It explains traditional methods, modern methods, how you could do something on a budget, or with tools and machines. Its got it all. It gives examples of simple studio set ups, elaborate set ups, the works! I have yet to know all that this book contains but so far it has revealed info on whatever I have searched in it for!
Its a manual. Its a lot of writing and explaining and teaching - so if jewellery making is a hobby for you or something you only dip your toe into then this book probably isn't neccesary. I owned a lot of other jewellery realted books before this one and I think that it was only when I became serious about metalwork and jewellery that I really appreciated what this book can offer.
It is massive and it is functional. So, seekers of the pretty volumes laden with colour pictures and projects - look elsewhere. This is a hard worker book of all of it! Its all about the learning of all the techniques. Those other type of attractive books are brilliant and really inspiring and useful for learning (I own MANY!). This is just more serious and practical. Highly Recommended for all serious jewellers and metalworkers.