Not the easiest read, granted. Presentation could have been better. Lots of substance and arguments. The book overall, despite the need to revise or reconsider some of the examples cited, holds -- it reminds me of Said's Orientalism in this sense --- and manages to get the point across.
Lots of works summarised, analysed, critiqued. The topic is not new to me, I've read other authors before and perhaps better treatments. Nonetheless the scope of this tour de force is impressive and one is left applauding incisive analysis and commentary, appreciative of the hard work and commitment that has gone into preparing this tome. Books of this calibre do not come about everyday; once every couple of decades or more.
This book is for those with an interest in the evolution of Hadith authenticity and students wanting to further their acquaintance with classical Hadith terminology (al-Mustalah). It is also for students mapping the evolution and development of disciplines in general, and not just the Hadith sciences. This is because the processes highlighted have parallels across the board (albeit with caveats). Recommended to those working on intellectual history too.