This slim volume, published in 1997, comes from the knowledgeable folks at Cook's Illustrated. In less than 100 pages How to Make an American Layer Cake lays out recipes for basic chocolate, white, and yellow cakes (with a few variations on the standard), as well as frostings and fillings. The signature CI illustrations run throughout the book which also includes sections devoted to technique and decorating suggestions. It's worthwhile to add to your collection if you're searching for a concise, pared-down handbook on layer cakes or if you are a layer cake (or just cake) devotee. That said, this is another out-of-print volume, but copies go for pennies (literally) online.