On its own, this book may tend to flummox. However, when coupled with at least one other FEM book such as that by Hutton and Logan may help. Although the material on variational calculus (which may be considered a forebear of modern FEM) is esoteric, the example problems worked out in this book provide good clarity. Unlike in other textbooks on FEM, the table of contents and chapter titles provides a clear "course path".