I was surprised to see this was written in 2002, as the author comments on "complementary proteins" and other such views, which were expressed half a century ago, and have many years ago been found to be mistaken. It is not necessary to combine, for example, grains and legumes, as long as one eats enough food throughout the day.

Also, the author comments that certain vitamins are important for vegetarians, etc., but vitamins are important for everyone! And the vitamins he mentions are only available through vegetarian sources. I detect a little bias and/or lack of knowledge on the part of the author.

That said, this book has some good recipes to offer, with unique combinations. It also has what I would consider uninspired recipes, such as puff pastry dough (which is a storebought item) with marinara, goat's cheese (that is, if you eat dairy products), and thyme or parsley; I also saw many recipes with mayo, either soy or egg based. I guess it's a good mix of fast to prepare recipes and more complex, flavorful, from-scratch ones.

I have never written a review for Amazon before. Never had a reason to. But Everything Vegetarian is simply the most AMAZING cookbook out there. My husband told me that he would be happy to eat vegetarian meals if I fixed them. So, not being a cook in any way, I set out to find recipes I could try. I must have purchased ten cookbooks. Most are decent. Some things good, some things not so good. But EVERY SINGLE recipe in Everything Vegetarian turns out perfectly. Most recipes have a Mediterranean touch, using toasted cumin seeds and the like. And Mr. Weinstein explains clearly each step in the recipe. There is never a question of "What does THAT mean?" or "Where would I find THAT ingredient." He tells you everything. I genuinely wish I could find this man and kiss his feet.

I'm not a vegetarian, but I eat very healthy. This book has a ton of things I can make and my whole family will eat. Worth the price just for the Saffron Rissotto on Page 139!

Even if you never use a single recipe from this book, the amusing commentary blurbs make it worth reading. Jay Weinstein has a great sense of humor which is shown in several little textboxes throughout this cookbook.
By the way, you shouldn't have any problems using recipes from this book. There are many yummy ones to choose from, with clear and easy-to-follow directions, as well as useful information on vegetarianism. I think this is a great book, not just for vegetarians, but for people who have decided to eat healthier by having a few meatless nights, or parents who may be struggiling to find something to cook for their newly vegetarian son or daughter.
Oh, one more plus. This book is NOT filled with exotic expensive items you'll have to raid specialty shops for. You can find most of what you'll need at a regular grocery store.