Carroll's text does not attempt to teach organic chemistry per se. Rather, it tells the story of how many of our key ideas about organic chemistry have developed through the past 80 years. I certainly do not recommend it for introductory students, but it is an excellent read for anyone intending to pursue chemical research because it urges the reader to challenge yet not entirely disregard the simple, often incomplete ideas that are taught to introductory students.

I read this text in my organic chemistry core course.I am certain that this is not one of the "run of the mill" texts in organic chemistry flooding market today.I must say it's really an advanced text that gives you less of statements and more of proposals.It stimulates reader's scientific temper and makes the reader challenge the simplistic and dogmatic perspectives prevailed in the contemporary organic chemistry.As mentioned by the author he could refrain himself from making it an encyclopedia of organic chemistry but he gives us the rationale behind the stabilities and reactivities of organic molecules by which one can enter into the "dreadful endless jungle"(in Friedrich Wohler's words,1835) with innumerous mind-boggling reactions with appreciable amount of confidence.It is not recommended for the beginner in the subject but is a real beacon for the graduate students in the feild.

caroll's book is an excellent "advanced" organic textbook and reference. more of a teaching textbook than a strict reference guide, but all around great. it's without a doubt the best adv organic text i have come across (out of the 7 that i own and many others that i have glanced thru). highly recommended.