Mr. Parsons writes an excellent book for those who want to know why rather than "just do it". For most cooks, it's show me the recipe. For Mr. Parsons it's more of a lets look at the science behind what you're trying to do. EXCELLENT BOOK if you want to know WHY. In addition, he does give excellent recipies as a "learning experience" of his teachings. I totally recommend this book to the "scientists of cooking" and still recommend it to cooks in general.