Amos is very knowledgeable, and famously opinionated on all subjects. Not the rank beginner's best choice for a first spinning book, but absolutely worth the weight in reference material and humor. Includes 70-page explanatory glossary, and an extended bibliography complete with opinions on usefulness. This is one of the most comprehensive explanations of spinning, prep and equipment, but is light on spindle-spinning.

Broad in scope, authoritative and with occasional flashes of brilliance. The lighthearted, rambling approach will charm some, repel others. Highly useful to those able to filter out the author's often coy or arch interruptions of his own scholarship. Note that the focus is on wheels -- there's relatively little information on the use of drop or supported spindles.

The scholarship in this book is phenomenal for a field dominated by laypeople. ( )

Amos is opinionated and terribly entertaining. The book meanders and winds down many a dead-end, but with Amos as tour guide, even rope-making is entertaining. This book provides an excellent overview of spinning equipment and yarn construction. Some find his style abrasive, but if you don't take him any more seriously than he takes himself, you won't be offended. Be sure to read the footnotes--they're half the fun. ( )