The book has 55 positions with ca. a dozen explanation diagrams each. They discuss which joseki to choose in a corner, whether the corner is the most urgent, which types of joseki one should consider and compare strategically, which major strategic choices occur during considering several variations, and which strategic planning is best for finally selecting a joseki considering all the strategic choices for both players. The analysis varies from easy to advanced, from not so convincing (because some strategic choices are not discussed due to space restrictions) to - more likely - rather convincing.
The discussion is about entire joseki and not just about single moves. Even more importantly, strategic and tactical choices always and impressively consider nearby or distant stones, i.e. the [Kajiwara] direction of play. This leads to rare, unfamiliar joseki or variations and quite often even to non-standard variations that respect all the surroundings. So although the method of teaching is only by examples, the reader learns a lot what advanced players are doing when inventing their own joseki by freely changing joseki to fit actual directions of play. Some of the suggested moves are highly unusual but very useful in a particular position's context.
Despite its teaching method and specialization the book can be recommended to all dan players that are not firm with joseki planning depending on direction of play yet. Since Whole Board Thinking in Joseki is even more specialized, Choice of Jungseok should be read first.
Date: 2001-06-06