First and foremost, Ambrose does not appear to be a very good writer. The text is written in the first-person, which I find awkward and unprofessional for such a topic. There are numerous typograpical errors. The first six chapters of the book are largely qualitative and superficial discussions on concrete uses, production and so forth. Earnest problem solving doesn't start until Chapter 7.

Parker's 3rd Edition of Structural Steel design has been a trusted companion of mine for many years. The information is concise and the presentation robust without a lot of nonsense. I was hoping to get that same treatment out of Ambrose with this edition of concrete design. Ninety dollars later, I discovered that I have not.