If you believe that the world of acoustics only consists of rooms and concert halls, this is the introductory book for you.Otherwise, the treatment of contemporary topics is piecemeal. The introductory material is not sufficient to inform the more recent elements (the chapter on digital sound is laughable).It is well worth the money for room acoustics. It should indicate that specific focus in the title. No where will you find psychoacoustics, instrument acoustics, microphone issues, and true recording issues.