With over 300 illustrations and more than 40 photographs, this book is a first-rate publication and is printed on very fine paper. The graphics are especially sharp. Originally published in Germany and just recently translated into English, this is a GREAT book! It can take you into the most intricate subtleties of the wonderful game of pool. With 320 pages this book has four sections: Material, Rules, Game Variants, and Facts, Posture, and The Program. The bulk of the book is the last section. Because it was written from a European point of view, you will find many things explained and presented in a different fashion than you have probably seen them explained in books before. This creats a very ripe learning opportunity! Ralph Eckert, the author, was the first certified International European Instructor. He is a columnist of high regard in several pool magazines and is considered a top European player. Ralph taught me many things that have had a tremendous impact on my career. In professional tournaments against the world's best players, I still use the principles Ralph taught me. Thorsten Hohmann, World Champion 2003.