This is a great book for those just starting out and wondering what beer is and how to make it. It shows you the fastest easiest ways to make 5 gallons of OK beer. I made the mistake of not researching this book because I want to brew all-grain like my buddy who I've been helping brew all-grain for a while. All grain means there's no malt extract, you put the grains in hot water yourself and then extract the water and boil that. It's good for people who want to start brewing something, but sooner or later people always seem to find more passion and creativity in the mash tun. Especially in America where everything is extreme!