In one of the most intriguing books on photography published in years, Herbert Keppler, design consultant, technical expert and executive editor of Modern Photography magazine has written a direct, unstuffy information loaded but highly entertaining analysis and critique of the single lens reflex, and how to use it. With the style familiar to Modern's readers he minces few words in analyzing both good and bad. What isn't generally known however, is that he practices what he preaches. A wide variety of stunning, technically excellent pictures from extreme close-ups to action through budget tele lenses explained and liberally criticized by the author when he thinks he may have gone off base. He takes a healthy swipe at photographers who write books on how to shoot pictures and load them with shots of famous personalities, and other material the average person can't get near. Every one of his subjects is well within the average reader's scope. The book is further jammed with charts, tables, interior drawings of cameras and other equipment. Keppler tells you what to buy, what not to buy, how to pick, choose and test cameras and lenses. It's embarrassingly rich in reference material designed to take the nonsense out of photography. The writing bears the wit and enthusiasm of a man who has championed the single lens reflex for years and planned this book for just that long. Like the good adventure story which this is, you won't want to put it down once you start reading it—amateur or professional, single lens reflex enthusiast or reflex hater. It's highly opinionated and after finishing it, you will be too.