I now have all four volumes and am picking through them (mainly 1 and 4), in chronological order of the process one follows--starting with wood selection and curimg--same with sinew. From the perspective of a beginner (I hate the word "newbie"--it sounds like some sort of mental disorder), Volumes 1 and 4 are definitely the most helpful.
But Yesterday, I recieved "The Bent Stick" and am reading it cover to cover. It is the most basic in approach--defines everything!
Best regards,
Russ