I was disappointed by this book because, in my estimation, it falls short of the summary about the book including on the back of the book itself.
If, like me, you are looking for an instructive guide to building static model sailing ships from kits, beware - there is realtively little in this book - Julier's other title "Period Ship Kit Builder's Manual" is the one to buy.
If you are looking for a summary of what's involved in various, currently available, off-the-shelf kits before taking the plunge - then this book is very likely to serve you well. Julier provides a short, structured summary (with B&W photos) that gives an overview of what (not much "how") you will be doing as well as his judgement on the quality of the kit, difficulty of the build and the final product. This is a great, extended sales aid for purveyors of kits.
One final criticism to the editor - you've mixed the photos up. The barque Endeavour and the Bounty are both ship rigged & to the uninitiated they might look the same - but they are substantially different. Alas, your colour & B&W photos of the completed models show the Bounty as being both the Bounty & the Endeavour. Sloppy!