In addition to giving some idea about algebraic geometry, I appreciated the insight and honesty it contained regarding how a (high profile) researcher decides t

In addition to giving some idea about algebraic geometry, I appreciated the insight and honesty it contained regarding how a (high profile) researcher decides to try to learn more about an area, and about how the author was intimidated by it. I appreciated it, but, it is also pretty depressing, in that a professional mathematician of Baez's calibre clearly found it very tough-going just trying to survey the existing knowledge, let alone adding to it.