This book is wonderful. It has so much information, I would have expected to pay much much more than the list price for such a wealth of information! Just don't expect fancy pictures or glossy pages. It has none.
It surprised me when it arrived in the mail just how thick and heavy it was. I found it so interesting that it could be read as a novel, with explanations of scientific techniques and methodology behind the recipes and the tests that were conducted to come up with "the best recipe". The ingredients used are everyday and easy to obtain. They are often ones you already have, so this book is great for grabbing off the shelf to make dinner when you don't have time to make a list and do a special grocery shopping trip.
I recommend this over Joy of Cooking or How to Cook Everything or Better Homes & Gardens or Good Housekeeping. This is the last reference cookbook you will need.