author goes into a lot of detail...i learned a lot from this book

I read this book thinking I might find something interesting. I was not disappointed. The book has historical commentary and personal experiences that are interesting. Old timer's secrets of layout, very cool. Geometrical calculations are easier to understand when you can see how they are to be applied. The formulas used in the book are reasonably simple. Most importantly, when there is a shortcut, it's shown in this book. From the ground to the roof, and all in between, there's detailed(but basic, no really fancy decorative work) explanation and excellent illustration. Handrails, masonry units, roofing, the book shows where to start and what to do next. He shows how to build many of the jigs and measuring/marking secrets that I use regularly. I don't do everything exactly as he does, but everybody has their own way of doing things. If this guy writes any more books, I and many of my competitors may not be needed any more. MANY secrets of the trade.

HEY! DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!! SOMEBODY STOP THIS GUY!!! I GOT KIDS TO FEED!! YA' CAN'T JUST GO AROUND INSPIRING CONFIDENCE IN THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? (gasp!) You might even make my competitors more competitive! Horrible book! I'm keeping mine, but I'm a professional!! Don't try this stuff at home!

_Call a PRO!!_

Seriously, Thank You Mr. Carroll. I enjoyed your book.

If you're planning on building any of the hard parts of a house like footings, foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, stairs, masonry or shingles, you will want this book so you can figure out how to make them plumb, square, level, and evenly distributed. (I think that covers most of the carpentry sections)
He shows a few options for arriving at each layout, typically mathematically, from charts, and from pictures, so if you have trouble with one of them you can try another.
Octagons aren't very popular in my neighborhood, but if those (or other polygons) appear in yours, you'll find he has good information on them too.
I'd recommend a read through the book for suggestions when you first get it, (I did that in a long evening) and if you're a really good student you can follow along with all the examples. (I wasn't). But keep it by your side and read the chapter you need as you build. It will pay for itself in saved time and straigher work on the first job.

I am a project manager for a commercial / industrial contractor. So many times I am changing gears, direction . . . in coordinating the project. Calls from other contractors and or the field keeps you busy and frequently having more to do immediately than you feel you can do in days. But this book is useful. While much of it relates to residential construction, simple layouts and thought processes do not change. While so many times I am challenged with laser layouts and trades that swear their layout is on the money, a few time proven methods and understanding can prove the " sure money " wrong. This book is well organized, clearly written and the compilation of formulas and calculations is helpful. This book will prove to be very useful for a do it yourselfer or anyone working within the trades or offices alike. I certainly recommend this book.