My first experience with Uncle John's Original Bread Book was when I was a teen. I had the paperback edition, which I eventually fell to pieces from use as I made quite a few of the recipes for bread. (I especially commend the Annadama bread, the Swedish Limpa bread - several Swedish acquaintances have said it is quite authentic - and a number of the rye breads.) The author is the son of a German immigrant baker who has passed on his father and grandfather's recipes, as well as others from family members, etc. For me, it was both a wonderful introduction to baking and the beginning of a cookbook library which now consists of hundreds of volumes. I later acquired another copy, again in paperback, which eventually went missing. By that time, it was out of print - so the book and recipes became fond memories. It is available on the used book market - the recipes are very retro i.e. pre-bread machine - but if one has the time and patience, the reward will be truly artisan bread.