Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you can only buy either the textbook or the workbook, get the workbook. I bought both, and really like them. It is an incredibly helpful program. The textbook has a lot of theory and background that is interesting and helpful, but somewhat repetitive. The workbook has enough instruction and explanation to stand on its own. If you have limited funds to spend and can't get both, you will be absolutely fine learning to draw with just the exercise book. I can't say the same for the textbook, because there are about 4x as many exercises in the exercise book as there are in the text. If you can get both, and enjoy learning the theory, go for it! It's a nice set. But since I was wondering when I bought both whether they were really needed, I wanted to confirm that I think I would have been fine with just the workbook. (Note, my textbook is the 1999 edition, bought used and with slower shipping. I didn't wait for it, and started right away on my workbook, which is this 2012 edition, bought new. It makes a great journal of your progress if you draw right in the book.)