The Laws of Kashrus, A comprehensive exposition of their underlying concepts and application Hardcover 9 by Rabbi Binyomin Forst (ArtScroll, Mesorah Publications Ltd)

How many of us have the background to seek rabbinical guidance on kashrus problems - intelligently? How prepared are we to deal with the maze of modern appliances in the typical kitchen? This book explains the principles of kashrus laws, and shows how real-life problems fit into the framework of halachah. Includes copious diagrams and a listing of appliances

This book consists of about four parts:

1. The actual text (14 chapters; 373 pages; 27 pages per chapter)
2. Glossary (transliterated Hebrew terms, defined);
3. Bibliography (a listing of the voluminous sources used in compiling this book);
4. Index of terms
5. Index of primary sources

Of the structure of the book:

1. The text is written with the sources as footnotes (rather than at the end of the chapter or the end of the text) and directs the reader to *very specific* places within the source texts for further study;
2. There is a summary of each chapter at its end. These summaries could be read one after another to give a 45 minute or so overview of the whole book. The book is such that it can be read as: Main idea (summaries)--> Moderately detailed explanation (the chapter in its entirety)--> Very detailed explanation (going to the primary source from which the point was derived).
3. The appendix at the back serves as a quick guide for the many types of things that you might need to know in the course of a meal but don't want to go through the whole Metsudah Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Compact Size Set (3 vol.) from beginning to end to find it.

The entire first chapter is lifted (almost verbatim) from Forst's other book, The Kosher Kitchen: A Practical Guide : Feuereisen Edition (Artscroll Halachah; the Kosher Kitchen).

Verdict: I bought this book at the price of about $26 (plus shipping). At that price it's worth it, and I strongly recommend this book.