I've had this fabulous book for a few years and cook from it when I want to make something special for a celebration, or to treat the family at the weekend. As an experienced cook I enjoy the challenge of elevating my food to something I'd be happy to pay good money for in a restaurant. I have cooked my way through most of the book, and all the recipes translate reliably from page to table. I would however say it does help if you're not a complete novice. The instructions are precise and clear, so perhaps a new cook could follow them, but may well find them a little daunting. I also recommend that you'd find it more pleasurable to cook from this book when you allow yourself time, perhaps at the weekend, as some recipes require planning and preparation ahead of time. The Ballotine of Turkey is all my friends and family's favourite Christmas recipe, as well as Smoked Haddock Scotch Eggs, Roast Sea Bass with Glazed Crab Mashed Potatoes... I could go on. Buy it, try it, you won't regret it.