If you are considering this book, please know that I am pretty finicky about what I read-and what I buy. I will not look twice at a book that insults my basic knowledge. THIS BOOK IS NOT THAT!! It is a great resource for anyone. It is a book that you will want to keep around forever and a book that would make a great gift for a man or woman, wedding shower gift, housewarming gift--but just one warning, if you are buying one for a gift, make sure you buy one for yourself!! Directions and clearly written information from everything from proper cleaning to domestic employment laws!! 800+pages-I learn something new everytime I pick it up or reference something.