I have been reading a lot of photography books recently, and this is definitely one of the most enjoyable and inspiring. I'm a newcomer to macro/close-up photography and I think this book was ideally suited. Not too long winded, it quickly and efficiently reels off the tips in a fairly informal style. This is backed up by what I considered to be very inspiring, modern, example photographs.
The only problem is it has made me want to spend a fortune on a dedicated macro lens! That said, however, the book also explores the less expensive routes into close-up photography such as extension tubes and point-and-shoot cameras. This is all very eye-opening advise for the beginner and not the 'what equipment to use' padding that often artificially bulks out photography/Photoshop books.
This is the first Peterson book I have read and I can see now why some of his older books have been top sellers.