Rating: 
Summary: It was great in 1985, but...
Review: At one time this book was the best ever written on the subject, and still could be if it was updated. I found that there was just too much information in here that is outdated as certain aspects and practices have evolved in the last decade.
Rating:
Summary: Bonehead Brewing 100
Review: This book is written for those who don't really know if they want to get serious about homebrewing or not. It outlines the steps necessary to brew a decent beer without getting into the art and science (Zymurgy). It took me about 2 hours to read cover-to-cover and if the words "relax, don't worry, have a homebrew" were omitted from the book it would be shortened to about half. The book is somewhat dated and does not cover the major improvements in homebrewing equipment that is now available. There are some good recipes included. Those who are serious would be better served to study Dave Miller's Homebrewing Guide.
Rating:
Summary: The classic, but there are better starter books now.
Review: More homebrewers have probably started with this book than any other, and Charlie is owed a great deal of thanks for helping to revive homebrewing in America. This book is fun to read, educational, and to its credit has all the information you need to start brewing. That said, it is also out of date and there are many other books more up to date on techniques, equipment, and ingredients that are just as friendly to the beginner.
Rating: 
Summary: Probably a close to a beginners book as I've seen.
Review: First off, revised and updated means Oct. 1991 so the serious brewer will find that some information is as old as the photo illustrations and might in some cases need updating. Once past that you'll find a lot of information on just about anything you might need it on, this is a good book for the beginner. I think there's something on all types of beers, even some stuff on ciders and meads. Buy this book if you're starting out, you'll learn much of what you'll need to get going. I've also seen this book quoted in some of the other brewing books, sounds like a pretty good endorsement to me.
Rating: 
Summary: "Indispensable"
Review: I couldn't imagine I'd ever rate a book that Penthouse Magazine calls "Indispensable", but anybody looking to homebrew should read this utlimate classic. The pictures are dated, but this guy really tells you everything and more you would ever wanted to know about homebrewing. This book was recommended by a good friend and we both stand by it as the bible of homebrewing.
Rating:
Summary: New to home brew
Review: I love this book! With this book in hand and a kit from 7 bridges brewery I have successfully brewed 2 delicious batches of beer. I will next embark on my first batch from a recipe, again with this Charlie Papazian by my side. In getting started I ready too many treatise on home brewing with all the chemical and technical detail mixed with the readability of a physics manual. Too little of the how to information was around. Charlie Papazian successfully puts the how to steps of the first batch in any ones hand and doesn't stop there. The ideas and concepts for the more in depth and complex brewers tasks are clearly introduced and illustrated. The book starts with "your first batch" and progresses through introducing steps, concepts, chemistry, and beer styles. The intermediate section covers each ingredient used in common (and some uncommon) beer recipes. The advanced brewing section intruduces a universe full of brewing chemistry and lore to learn about for the rest of ones life. There are many books that provide all the chemical reactions and detailed formulas needed to be a true brewmaster. This book will get the neophyte off the ground floor and brewing good beer in the kitchen. It is the book shelf reference for the intermediate or advanced brewer looking for the step by step directions to advance his or her skill. Relax Have a homebrew
Thanks Charlie
Rating:
Summary: A must for the novice home brewer
Review: Within minutes after opening this book and reading less than a chapter, I knew I had found the right book. Questions were quickly answered and intimidation of the subject gone. Home brewing is easy and inexpensive. Great book
Rating:
Summary: If your'e a beginner like me.
Review: The book that I received with my homebrew set-up paled in comparison with TNCJHB. This book is a must for beginners like me who have tons of questions, it explains the orgins of brewing A to Z. I also recommend the companion guide also. Homebrewing is the easiest craft to do when your armed with the knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: Relax! Don't Worry! Have a homebrew!
Review: That little saying says it all. Charlie Papazian does a really good job of explaining the homebrew process in a very easy going lighthearted style. A must read for the newbie homebrewer.
Rating:
Summary: Thanks, Charlie, but....
Review: I'm glad for this book because it introduced me to homebrewing. It's good for an introduction: the descriptions of beer and the pictures of besotted brewers grinning in bliss as they sip their beer of the gods might lead one to believe that you can make something as good as the professionals. But I'm not sure that it offers what is necessary to make beer that tastes as great as he describes it. I would say this book is a necessary part of a brewing library, and is a great motivator, but as a technical guide one can do better. For example, try the AHA beer style books, Noonan's New Brewing Lager Beer, Greg Miller's Homebrewing Guide, and others, or even tune into the newsgroup rec.crafts.brewing. Papazian mentions, but fails to emphasize the key factors that brewers must attend to if they want to avoid undrinkable slug bait in their fermenters (e.g., most everything to do with fermentation and yeast colony health). The phrase "relax don't worry have a homebrew" is cute but that won't get you good beer.
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