You know all the knitting books and magazines you own, with only one or two patterns you actually want to knit? Well, being a knitter in my 20s I have quite a few, especially from the companies that don't offer single pattern purchase (yes, Rowan, I'm talking about you). This book is different.
There are several VERY nice designs in this book, especially the hampton cardigan (will teach you how to knit dolman sleeves) and the auburn top. I also like the cover sweater, and have already knit the windsor warmer which is a simple, cashmere scarf/cowl with buttons. Also, this book has some beautiful jacket/hoodie patterns with cable and moss stitch.
Now, a comment about the designs from a clothing perspective (rather than from a knitting perspective). In my opinion, many knitting patterns today are overdesigned. Too much going on, embroidery, tasteless use of cabling or other decorative stitches that indeed display your skills as a knitter, but results in a garment with a not-so-classic look. Now, this book does contain a few of these patterns, but luckily, much of it can simply be left out when knitting (like embroidery/pockets).
Overall, I was happy to discover that the vast majority of the patterns are what I would call contemporary classics. Not too plain, but not overdesigned either, and many of the 'extra' design elements can be left out with little or no modification to the actual pattern. I think there are maybe 1-2 patterns that I really don't like, the rest has great potential. But Interveawe, lose the bag patterns. Seriously, if I had 4 hanks of Donegal tweed, I would NOT knit a bag.