This book starts at the beginning and goes on from there, so even a beginner can learn something fairly quickly. This does not mean that it has nothing to offer an experienced crocheter, because there really is something for everybody in here. I love its thoroughness; working out what garment shapes suit you before you make a mistake, understanding charts, getting the best fit out of a pattern and other topics that many books gloss over. If you really are a tyro it shows you how to hold the yarn, make a foundation row and all the basics such as measuring your work, blocking, sewing up and choosing yarn. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on "try it" sections on most pages that get you away from just reading about it to actually doing it, the best way to learn.  This is not a book of projects, rather of techniques as the title states, so this is where to go to find out how to do things like sew in a zip, join in a new yarn or design something simple like a scarf. It is not a book of stitches or different styles either, and if you want to learn something like broomstick or Tunisian crochet then you had better go elsewhere. Filet is covered, but not deeply enough for a beginner to take it up. But then this is only one book, and if you want to go into these things in depth then you need something more specialized. This is a book that delivers what it says, and wisely does not try to spread itself too thin. I can recommend this book to anybody who is keen on learning or improving their skills. Add some yarn and a hook and it would make a wonderful present for somebody -if you can bear to part with it!