This is a new edition of an established book, but it seems to us that there are newer and better books in the field. However, for your information, there are useful bits -- definitions, a few tables -- and the ABC theory of the factual and constructional aspects. Not a book for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals, nor for the experienced person who wants to extend his useful information. Elementary in treatment. Quite honestly, I think Collins handbooks are a habit which should be analyzed critically. Some of them are good; some have been superseded by sounder material. This has been edited by the radio editor of the N. Y. Sun, but there is still much to be desired.