A wonderful book for beginner and intermediate crocheter alike... actually, if I were advanced, I'd still like this book. There are excellent illustrations on how to start crocheting as well as some good basic projects (scarves, blankets, sweaters, etc.). The back of the book has an excellent array of stitches with a photo example of each. Also covers wire crochet but I haven't used that part of the book yet.
This book has absolutely the best LEFT HAND instructions I've seen. I gives LEFT HAND instructions and illustrations for every right hand stitch.