I think that nowadays is hard to find a good chinese cook book...most of the times you end up in the hands of somebody who just made the recipes up,or even worse,in the hands of impossible recipes...with ingredients that you would only find if you went to China!!This book is very helpful,not just as far as recipes are concerned,but also it gives you the opportunity to learn a lot about the history of this unique cuisine.You will find out things that you never knew and that are very curious.Plus,the recipes are very well explained and laid out;each dish is a success with this book...guaranteed!!!I tried making several recipes from this book and they always turned out wonderful!!!!!Finally,Chinese recipes that are not austere and strict anymore...but recipes with a new,yet old and charming touch.