I have been using this book for about five years and it has always been great for looking up basics and easy ways to prepare them. The other day I picked up some lovely Norwegian salmon filets and then fennel was haunting me so I got that too, once I got home this was one of the cook book choices that I had laid out in front of me, and even I was shocked to actually find a recipe called "Salmon with Fennel" on page 232. I usually buy bits and pieces and try to throw them together in an edible way, but this book always comes to my rescue. You can look up virtually any ingredient and find a "correct" standard recipe to make, that ingredient follows up with more options for more varied meals with similar undertones on next page.The "White corn chowder" on page 141 has been my favorite soup for the past few years, I also made artichokes for the first time using this book, and it was for a room full of hungry guests; that turned out great as well. There are countless yummy potato recipes in here as well; it pleases my little Polish heart to see so much love given to this starch.This book has so many side dishes that my head is spinning when I try to think about what to make, obviously they are easy recipes, with a handful of ingredients. All I have to do is look up my favorite thing and viola, a whole world of recipes unfolds before me.This book has following chapters with full detail and dedication of preparation:- Introduction- The Pantry- The Basics- Hors D'oeuvres- Eggs- Breads, Biscuits and Sandwiches- Soups- Meat- Poultry and Game Birds- Fish and Shellfish- Vegetables and other side dishes- Salads- Potatoes- Pastas, Grains and Rice- Entertaining a crowd- Desserts- Pies and Tarts- Ice Cream and Sorbets- Cakes and Cookies- Wedding Cakes- Dips, Sauces and Butters- Preserves, Vinegars and more- BeveragesThis book is great for looking up basic ways of preparing just about anything, but it has many variations. Many cookbooks will only have 3-4 recipes for Salmon lets say, but this has a few pages. And besides, this can be purchased used for a laughable price, this book pays for itself with even one use.- Kasia S.The price for this book was really good so I can’t really squawk too much. It was not what i would call “good” condition. It was a little dirty, filled with papers and some tab markers from previous owner. My biggest issue is that the spine is broken. Again, their price was very good and it got here in a reasonable time frame for media mail. Just rougher condition than I expected. A little disappointed but I can still read and use it so it’s not worth the hassle of returning it.I guess this is everyday stuff for Martha, but not for me. I love Martha and will enjoy reading it (I am one who reads cookbooks like books), but probably won’t make a lot of these recipes, to be honest.Most disappointing - the font is not only extremely tiny, but also very faintly printed.Great bread recipesNormaly pictures are included in cookbooks. The text is small and the quality just isn't there. Did Martha really endorse this publication? She usually has higher standards.I love this book because it has the original and best Martha recipes from her early days, her first shows. These are the ones that really work and don't have a lot of weird and exotic combinations of ingredients...I think she's reaching now (her recipes seem like, what's the most expensive and bizarre thing I can find to put together). Call me old fashioned, I appreciate the compliment!I used my old copy so much that it literally fell apart, so I was really happy to find this copy on sale or was it slightly used and inexpensive? Best pie crust recipe EVER. Not everything is perfect in this book, but a good basic book to have on hand.It is a “dated “ cookbook.One of my first Martha cookbooks ( I've now got 15), yet this by far is the best. The recipes actually work and are reliable. Although no pictures- the recipes are soo enticing it does not bother meFull of good recipes: no pictures or fluff to take up space.She’s good.I wanted to get this one for a compilation of Martha Stewart's recipes, this was one fits the bill perfectly!It is very nice