An immensely detailed and very helpful book. It's name is quite apt as in many respects this tome feels like the alpha and omega of photography (from a technical aspect, of course). The chapters are well written, concise and easily understood. With a subject as detailed as photography it can be quite overwhelming to broach for the first time, but there is nothing in this book that made me feel over my head.

I borrowed it from the library to augment my photography class, but as soon as I am financially able I will add it to my collection. It is well worth owning.