As with all the books in the "Illustrated" series this book isn't a tutorial and it doesn't hold your hand... never the less, if your an experienced admin who's spent years with NFS but just never quite felt like you and NFS understood each other then this is the book for you.
The book is two things... on one hand each chapter begins with a short introduction about a protocol and with it a fascinating history lesson. The rest of the chapter covers the gory details. The history lesson and insights scattered throughout the text shed light on why NFSv2/3 became the mess that we all know and love. NFS is simple on the outside, but if you really stop and think about it... why are there all those protocols, I mean, why do we need a damn port mapping daemon just to keep it all straight!? The fairy tale unfolds throughout the book and finally, I'm glad to say, I think I understand NFSv2/3's sorted past and I'm happy to say I forgive her.
If you've looked at NFSv4 but, deep down, just don't really see the point... I mean, NFSv3 has been around, works everywhere... well, this is the book thats going to make you realize just how desperately we've needed NFSv4 and you'll never want to go back.
Sure, you can read the RFE as other reviewers have suggested, but thats not what your buying here... your buying the Deluxe Behind the Scenes Edition with a commentary that, well, illustrates the whole thing.
This book is getting harder and harder to find. Buy it, have it on your shelf. Its a quick read and an invaluable reference.