Definitely a book for someone who is familiar with the field. I picked it up simply because I was not knowledgeable and wanted to learn more. I feel like I should have just looked at the pictures and not read any of the text for as much as I got out of it. I would have absorbed much more of the information if it was something I was passionate about. Those things said, I did learn some things and was fascinated by the history. I might be able to identify an art deco building after reading this, but not by all the criteria. It was useful, had good history, nice photographs and illustrations. I am sure someone into architecture or design would get a lot out of it. Those of us who are just curious might learn a few things too. ( )