Outstanding
The book is almost certainly the most complete reference on sharpening tools for woodworking. It details theory and practice. The theory satisfactorily explains the details of things like metallurgy and abrasives, but goes no further than what is practical for the most meticulous woodworker. The book includes numerous fascinating examinations of blade edges using an electron microscope, as well as a concise digest some research work on chip (shaving) formation. The book includes valuable explanations and diagrams of the dynamics of cutting wood fibers in different directions and at different angles, and these theories are practically applied to plane and chisel angles. Because of this level of thinking and research, no more practical book explains why or proves better what methods can best be practically applied to the task of sharpening tools for a job. The book is not short on practical methods for jigging up, grinding, honing and polishing all the most significant categories of woodworking tools from chisels, planes, and bits to axes, adzes and saws. Thomas Lie-Nielsen's more recent book has more practical "how to" explanations of myriad different tools and more "how-to" oriented photographs, but does not impart as much of an understanding of why. It's obvious that Leonard Lee has a lifelong interest in tools and cares about every aspect from their practical history, design, theory of use, materials, and care. I borrowed this book from my local library.

Sharpening review
Everything you wanted to know about sharpening. This book is very thorough in describing in some detail how to sharpen pretty much everything in your house and garage. It is a good balance of enough information to get started without going too overboard in topics that are not of interest. I think that the book is worth reading, especially if you can only pick one book.

Not a how to book
I was looking for more of a how to book. This book does have a lot of information, different angles, types of stones and hones, and a method of sharpening for any edged tool or knife. It just doesnt really show how to do it all.

The science of sharpening
This book provides a very detailed look at the physics behind sharpening blades. I would highly recommend this to anybody who wants to learns the fundamentals of sharpening.

This is THE Book about sharpening!
What should I say? No need anymore to write other books on sharpening. It is well written and very informative on every detail. If you would like to know everything about sharpening, buy this book and you're done.