I had to comment on this cookbook because it's absolutely fabulous, it's truly beautiful, and the recipes are surprisingly doable for the average cook who wants to be able to make a beautiful gourmet meal. I actually bought this to send to my daughter and son in law, but I'm going to have to order another one for them because there's no WAY I'm letting this one get away from me after having sat and read all of the recipes. Some are, I'll admit, a little expensive to make, but not all by any means, and once in a while it won't hurt you to splurge--that's my motto anyhow. The gourmet pizza recipes alone are worth the price of the book. Every great Italian dish I've ever heard of as well as some I've never heard of are in this book and I'm sure I can make every one of them and have them turn out right. If you only buy one Italian cookbook, make it this one.